To support the hundreds of participants taking part in the Cateran Yomp, an annual cross-country event that puts soldiers and civilians side by side on a 24-hour trek across the historic ‘Cateran Trail’ in Perthshire, Gin Bothy’s pop-up gin bar will be found on the shores of stunning Auchintaple Loch and will be open for less than 24 hours serving only those taking part.
Set on the drovers’ roads, forests and mountain tracks of one of Scotland’s best-loved long-distance walking routes, the Yomp invites walkers to complete the 54 mile track in just 24 hours to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
Above: Kim is a passionate champion of Scottish bothy culture, here she sings a song at Hogmanay
Owner of award-winning spirit producer, Gin Bothy, which is based in Angus, Kim Cameron said: “We’re delighted to be providing a very special 'Gin Bothy Welcome' to this year's heroic hikers, encouraging them to raise even more money for a charity that's close to our hearts, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity - the British Army’s National Charity.
“The Cateran Yomp takes place across the beautiful Angus Glens and Perthshire hills - Gin Bothy Territory.
“This challenging event is a great a way for people to enjoy our amazing countryside in support of a truly worthy cause.”
The Gin Bothy pop-up will be serving those taking part. Picture: Gin Bothy
Kim stated that only the 1200 walkers in this year’s Cateran Yomp will be able to celebrate World Gin Day by raising a toast in our Cateran Yomp Gin Bar, she said: “No matter how wet the weather is or how sore their feet are, a nip of our Gunshot Gin will lift their spirits and set them on their way again.
“We’re honoured to be able to support the Cateran Yomp in this way.
"The Cateran Yomp has raised over £3 million for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in the last nine years, helping this charity to support thousands of soldiers, veterans and their families each year.
“My dad was in the military for years and is one of the oldest surviving members of the now disbanded Gordon Highlander regiment. I never tire of hearing my dad’s stories and it will be great to be in the Gin Bothy Gin Bar during the Yomp, meeting people with a similar life to my dad’s.”
In addition to the military connection, the Cateran Yomp passes through Glen Isla, the beautiful glen where Kim was brought up.
She said: “I spent my younger years trekking over the hills on a Highland pony earning pocket money or grouse beating.
“The glen is full of characters and is a community rich in stories and tradition – and has inspired Gin Bothy’s gins, as we use locally-grown scots pine, heather, milk thistle, hawthorn root and rosemary. Gunshot, the gin of choice at the Cateran Yomp Gin Bar, was originally created for a party of shooters and gives a warm inner glow, which is just the tonic for a rainy night in the glens.”
“As well as the 24 hours of the Cateran Yomp, our Yompers devote hours and hours to training for this event and to fundraising so they’ll definitely deserve a Gin Bothy gin at Auchintaple Loch,” said Robin Bacon, Chief of Staff at ABF The Soldier’s Charity. “Knowing there’s a gin stop on the route will be a great motivator for many of our walkers!”
