Caitlin aims to set a Scottish record in the Alps

A Scottish teenager won’t be rejoining her classmates when they return to school next week, as she will be in the Alps aiming to become the youngest Scot to successfully climb three of Europe’s highest mountains.

Caitlin Connor, a 15 year-old from Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire, will miss the first few days of term at Stonelaw High School in Rutherglen.

After a final training session on the ice-walls at Snow Factor Braehead yesterday, the talented young climber will leave this Sunday in her bid to climb Mont Blanc (4810m), Grandes Jorasses (4208m) and the triangular ‘Toblerone’ shaped peak of the Matterhorn (4478m / 14,692ft).

Throughout the 10 days of climbing, the teenager will be joined by seasoned alpinist and speed-flyer, Will Morris. Weather permitting Caitlin hopes to reach the summit of the Matterhorn on or around 19 August.

In undertaking her momentous challenge, the member of the Scottish Climbing and British Ice Climbing Teams (and ranked fifth in the world in ice-climbing for her age group) also hopes to raise funds for two charities – Glasgow based climbing charity Urban Uprising and PoppyScotland. Caitlin’s parents are both former members of HM Forces.

It will be the first alpine expedition for Caitlin who over the past season has benefited from the tutelage of former GB Ice Climbing Team member Simon Ward.

Caitlin Connor training on the ice wall at Snow Factor Braehead, ahead of her attempt to climb three of Europe’s highest peaks

Caitlin said: ‘I’ve always wanted to climb Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. They are such iconic mountains. I’m really excited and also grateful for all of the support I’ve received from Snow Factor, Rab and others.’

The young climber’s dad, Mick, admitted to some nerves as his daughter prepares for her mountaineering feat: ‘As Caitlin’s parents we obviously have some apprehension and are aware of the risks involved, but also believe that supported by Simon and Will she has the necessary skills and qualities needed to complete this huge challenge.

‘If successful, I believe she may be the youngest Scottish and possibly British climber to successfully climb all three mountains.’

Caitlin, who has been climbing for less than five years also has her sights set on competing at the World Youth Ice Climbing Championships in Finland (March 2019) and hopes to compete for Team GB should ice-climbing be selected as sport for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

The steep, triangular sides of the Matterhorn are believed by some to have inspired Theodor Tobler’s shape of the Toblerone chocolate bar.

You can support Caitlin on her bid by clicking HERE.