There is no shortage of charity initiatives being carried out by north-east residents, but some carry more of an uphill challenge than others.
Climbing enthusiast Guy Robertson, for instance, teamed up recently with the Scottish Refugee Council to create a fundraiser which also aims to make the sport more accessible to refugees.
The Aberdeen-based athlete’s inaugural Climbathon will be held at the Climbing Centre in Glasgow on March 5, from 1pm-6pm, and is open to everyone, including beginners.
People seeking asylum in Scotland receive just £35.39 a week before they are granted refugee status, and are forbidden from working.
Even if they manage to gain refugee status, many people find themselves in poverty, so leisure activities can be off-limits to them.
But Mr Robertson is determined to do what he can to transform that situation.
He said: “I hope this event will achieve various aims: raising funds for the charity, while also maintaining the profile of the plight of refugees. I wanted to do something practical to help refugees in Scotland to develop their peer networks.”
The event will encourage people to complete a series of bouldering challenges within three hours, after which there will be prizes, refreshments and a talk from Scottish climbing luminary Dave MacLeod.
Qualified instructors will be on hand, and those with climbing experience are also encouraged to buddy up and help refugee participants, many of whom may be experiencing climbing for the first time.
Mr Robertson added: “I have been intending to do some fundraising through climbing for a while now, and the situation happening in Europe just brought this into focus.”
As somebody who has been climbing for 26 years, he is keen to highlight the social, mental and health benefits of the sport and is confident that organising this event will lead to the same benefits for refugees and asylum seekers in the future.
He said: “More so than other sports, climbing, and indoor climbing in particular, is a very sociable activity, and something which people of all ages, shapes and sizes can enjoy. Therefore, it is a very good way for anyone to get to know others in their community.
“Climbing generally is just a great way of engaging people and encouraging them to push their boundaries, mentally and physically.
“It’s also a wonderful form of escapism. I hope the Scottish Climbers for Refugees initiative can continue the momentum and build on these events in future.”
The organisers aim to raise awareness and further sponsorship prior to the event and are offering 50% off to those who are fundraising and free entry to anyone who raises £50 or over.