Pick up a leaflet in either of our stores and find out if you've won a 3-night break for a family of 4 staying in Fort William- the Outdoor Capital of the UK. The prize includes a Vango tent, a pitch at the 5-star Invercoe Highland Holidays, a full day of activities with Vertical Descents and a family pass at Nevis Range. There are also over 100,000 free surprises being given away offering discounts at a number of adventure activity providers throughout Scotland. The promotion is being run by VisitScotland and Vango and you can find out the full terms and conditions on the VisitScotland website at www.visitscotland.com/surprisevango
In November 1992 we were working hard to get our shop in Peebles opened. We were living in a draughty old shepherd's cottage in the Moorfoot Hills at the time and one day, our landlady remarked that there was a famous mountaineer coming to give a fundraising talk in aid of the village hall. It seemed unlikely but yes, Chris Bonington was coming to Carrington. It proved to be a memorable evening that people still occasionally mention to us today. Standing room only with an eclectic audience of school children, Women's Institute stalwarts, elders of the kirk and a smattering of outdoor enthusiasts. It probably wasn't the kind of gathering Bonington was used to speaking to but his professionalism and communication skills ensured that his stories came alive for everyone in the room. At the end of the presentation we joined the scrum of autograph hunters and got his signature on a poster which we hung in our new shop on the day it opened. It stayed on the wall for quite a few...