A CONSERVATION group has climbed down after objecting to a publicity stunt to fly an old car to the top of Ben Nevis.
There were plans to fly a classic Model T Ford by helicopter to the 4,406ft summit in 2011 to mark the centenary of the marque being the first to drive to the top of Britain’s highest mountain.
The plan to commemorate Henry Alexander’s famous drive had the brakes applied by the John Muir Trust, however..
In 2000, the trust bought most of Ben Nevis from its owners, the Fairfax-Lucy family.
When contacted earlier this year by Model T enthusiasts and Lochaber Provost Allan Henderson over the centenary event, the trust’s response was the stunt did not fit in with its aims and vision for Ben Nevis.
Permission for landing a Model T on the summit – either by helicopter or by carrying it in sections up the mountain track – was denied.
Rally organisers now have renewed hope, however, after being approached by Lochaber Mountaineering Club, who pointed out that two sections of land on the summit of Ben Nevis were granted to them 50 years ago by the Fairfax-Lucy family.
That fact may well be responsible for a possible change of stance by the John Muir Trust.
Trust official John Hutchison said yesterday: “This is something we have under review. Although we had concerns about the initial proposal to helicopter a Model T Ford to the summit, we recognise the significance to Fort William and Lochaber of celebrating this historic event.
“So we will be engaging in discussions with the event organisers on ways in which we can help make it a success.”²
Lochaber Mountaineering Club members have given their full support to recreating the Model T feat.
Not only does the club own two small sections of the Ben summit land, it also has a right of access to the mountain track.
Club treasurer George Bruce said: “We share some of the views of the John Muir Trust relating to mountains, but agree that Ben Nevis is in a category of its own.
“The majority of our members live and work locally and think that this project will be of great benefit to the area with the influx of visitors and the Model T Ford owners.
“We hope that commonsense will prevail and the event will get the blessing of all parties involved,” added Mr Bruce.
Local Model T Ford enthusiast Iain Blyth, who is the lead organiser of the proposed rally, said: “I’m delighted that the trust now wants to sit down and talk with us soon and see how we can all work together to make the event a success.
“We were very disappointed with the initial reaction. It looks as if there’s been a change of heart.”
Provost Henderson said: “I have only been a bit-part player in all this but I have been trying to impress on the trust just what a big boost this could be for the area in terms of tourism, and worldwide publicity.”²