Bad news from Kingussie! The outdoor shop at Kingussie has had a major fire and is out of action being completely devastated inside. This shop has given such good service for Challengers in past years and was all geared up for this year's Challenge. It is, therefore, extremely unlikely to be opening for some time and not in time for the Challenge unless they can work miracles.

This is indeed very bad news for all concerned and I hope no-one was seriously hurt in the fire.

If anyone is hoping to stock on supplies at Kinguisse, there is a bus and train service between Kinguisse and Aviemore and you can stock up there.

This is bad news. Let's hope the proprietors of the Highland Sports Services shop, Mike and his wife Chelle, are up and running again in time for the TGO. I spent a good hour there in 2016 - chewing the cud after stopping off to buy new boots when my trail shoes gave up the ghost - and received great service.