It was decided in the summer of 2015 we would organise a 48 hour non-stop cycle of the newly launched North Coast 500 scenic tour of the Highlands while collecting funds for our chosen charities WaterAid and Highland Hospice. 

Our employer Scottish Water fully supported our proposals by funding days away from work through the volunteering programme. Volunteering offered those who took part opportunities to develop skills, investment in their well-being, increased engagement levels and encouraged teamwork. 

In the years since 2015 we’ve continued to organise a charity cycle, varying the route but always ensuring it’s greater than 500 miles. In the previous 4 years we’ve embraced Scottish Waters Health & Wellbeing ethos, encouraged inclusiveness & integration but most importantly have been successful in what we originally set out to do, raise more than 20k for our chosen charities; WaterAid UK and Highland Hospice.

This summer to celebrate our 5th year we plan to cycle 500 miles in a relay from Fort William to the Glastonbury festival of contemporary performing arts in Pilton, Somerset. 

Upon arrival at Glastonbury we'll be volunteering as WaterAid #LooCrew where we'll be responsible for keeping all the long drop toilets and disabled toilets onsite clean and tidy. Volunteers will be cleaning the toilets, refilling hand sanitiser and talking to festivalgoers about the importance of clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. This role involves moving around the large site, carrying equipment and lots of toilet cleaning - it isn’t for the faint hearted!