International Mountain Day call for Munro baggers to help WaterAid bring clean water to communities in Malawi

“By taking part in the Munro Challenge, we can come together and enjoy these wild spaces and benefit families in Malawi by transforming their access to water, toilets, and sanitation – a basic human right still denied to so many people globally, despite humankind’s reliance on water sourced in mountain landscapes.”

Shirley Campbell
Director for People, Scottish Water

Scotland’s highest mountains will help provide clean water to communities in Malawi in a major new WaterAid fund-raising effort.

Announced on UN International Mountain Day, Scottish Water’s Munro Challenge will see climbers, hikers and outdoor adventurers take to the Scottish hills to help thousands of people in Malawi who do not have reliable access to clean water.

More than half the world’s population relies on freshwater from mountains, according to the UN. However, WaterAid remind us that 771 million people still do not have clean water close to their home. It is WaterAid’s mission to ensure that everyone, everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene.

Now Scottish Water will host the Munro Challenge on Saturday 4 June 2022 when employees, families and friends will ascend as many of the country’s 3000ft peaks as possible on that one day.

The event falls in WaterAid’s 40th anniversary year, marking the four decades since the water industry in Scotland helped establish the charity organisation. Since its creation in 2002, Scottish Water has worked in partnership with WaterAid to help transform lives around the world.

Money raised by intrepid climbers will help fund the ‘Deliver Life’ project to bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to communities in Zomba and Machinga districts in southern Malawi. 

The project, which has core funding of £1m from the Scottish Government’s International Development fund, supports access to these vital nine early childhood development centres, four healthcare facilities, including maternity units and 40 surrounding communities, helping save lives.

Shirley Campbell, Scottish Water’s Director for People who leads its partnership with WaterAid, said: “We know that worldwide there is a great love of Scotland’s magnificent mountains and more and more people are enjoying their benefits, especially during the last year or more.

“By taking part in the Munro Challenge, we can come together and enjoy these wild spaces and benefit families in Malawi by transforming their access to water, toilets, and sanitation – a basic human right still denied to so many people globally, despite humankind’s reliance on water sourced in mountain landscapes.

“We are delighted to be able to announce the return of the Munro Challenge. It has been more than a decade since it last took place, and we know that many people were looking forward to it happening last year. Pandemic restrictions mean that wasn’t possible.”

There are 282 Munros – named after Sir Hugh Munro who compiled a list of the 3000ft high peaks. 

Ms Campbell added: “We would dearly love to have as many teams on as many mountains as possible on the day. It would be great to have all the summits bagged – our aim is to raise as much money as possible to support WaterAid to help change lives for the better in Malawi.”

Elizabeth McKernan, WaterAid Partnerships Manager, Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “One in three people in Malawi don’t have clean water; that’s 5.6 million people. 

Taking on the Munro Challenge will help raise funds enabling us to deliver clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to more communities. With these three vital components, people can overcome poverty, stay healthy, and reach their potential.”