Autumn 11 - The Clan Cameron Association Scotland.

Model T on Ben Nevis - A Century On
by Bill Cameron
There's a long held tradition that says when there is no snow lying on Ben
Nevis, then the lands of Lochaber will no longer be held by the Cameron
clan. A more recent tradition revolves round one of the first mass produced
cars, and the concerted effort by many people to take it to the highest point
in Britain.
On Wednesday the 18th of May, 2011, seventy-seven volunteers traversed
through snow, sleet, rain and gale force winds to recreate a journey made
a century earlier to take a Ford Model T to the summit of Ben Nevis. Back in
May, 1911, Henry Alexander drove his Model T from Cameron Square, Fort
William, up the then comparatively "vehicle-friendly" pony track on Ben
Nevis, with the assistance of a large party of helpers and horses over a
number of days.
The sensational, pioneering achievement of reaching the 4,406 feet summit
was, and still remains, a phenomenal feat of human endeavour. It was, quite
literally, a trail blazer for today's extreme 4x4 off-road vehicles often filmed in
remote locations to add an adventurous spirit to their brand. In many ways,
this inspiring piece of "product placement" could be seen as a well
considered publicity stunt for Ford, particularly as Henry Alexander's father
had the principal Ford dealership in Edinburgh at that time.
A century on, at sea level, as part of a week long Model T rally in and around
Fort William, the highways and byways of Lochaber took on a nostalgic feel
as a variety of the "Tin Lizzies" and other vintage cars tootled and beeped
from A to B at a more civilised pace. Earlier in that week, an attempt was
made to drive a Model T up to the Halfway Lochan on the Ben. However,
due to poor weather conditions underfoot, the car had to be manoeuvred
back down from the 1,600 feet mark - allowing all involved to appreciate the
tremendous efforts required in the 1911 ascent.
Astie Cameron, from Achnacarry, was involved in overseeing this 21st
century attempt in his position as health, safety and environment coordinator
at the Rio Tinto Alcan plant - the route crossing the works land on
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Glenfinnan 2011
There was a good turnout of
Camerons at the Glenfinnan
Gathering and the weather was
kind on the day. It is a unique
setting for a Highland Games and it
always has a feel of a genuine
Games in which members of the
local community participate. After
the march from the monument,
the games were opened by the
chieftain of the day.
his wife. We also were
pleased to welcome Lochiel
who was able to practise his
French on a group of tourists.
(Editor)
It was good to see so many young
people participating and this bodes
well for the future of the Glenfinnan
Gathering.
Among the guests at our stall were
the local MSP, David Thompson and
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