Business leaders take on Arctic challenge
In Rovaniemi in January, temperatures average -40°C, with only four to five daylight hours each day. That’s what a group of business leaders from Carlowrie Group stepped into on their three-day Arctic trek.
The challenge
Carlowrie Group founder Andrew Marshall was joined by his son Oliver and business leaders from Edinburgh Street Food, Ronay Island, Innovative Partners Ltd and Carlowrie Castle.
The group dragged their sledges piled with gear for 66kms and battled the elements in this epic fundraiser for The Breakfast Bothy. They slept in tents, shared tales around the campfire, admired the Northern lights, and – most importantly – raised funds for our small homelessness charity.
Keith Taylor, Operations Director at Carlowrie Castle said: “Joining the Arctic trek with the Carlowrie Group team was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sheer beauty of the landscapes – the frozen lakes and rivers, fairytale forests, the sunrise and sunset (there was about 6 hours of daylight when we were there) painting pinks and oranges across the snow. The northern lights dancing in impossible greens and pinks across the night sky, campfire cooked meals, mostly the spirit across the group helping each other to keep on going will never leave me.”
Inspired by Isobel Wylie Hutchison
The group walked in the footsteps of the renowned Arctic explorer and former resident of Carlowrie Castle, Isobel Wylie Hutchison.
Throughout her life, from 1889 and 1982, Isobel traversed Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and more – alone and on foot. Without the aid of modern technologies or a guide, and against all odds she explored some of the most remote and untouched areas of the world. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, community spirit and endless wonder for the natural world.
Isobel has inspired many aspects of Carlowrie Group, and you’ll find her story woven into the way our brands operate. For example our annual Isobel Awards ceremony, and our values based in community, the environment, and determination. You can even find Isobel’s image painted on the walls at Edinburgh Street Food.
A fundraiser to help keep our community warm, fed and dry
Our Edinburgh-based homelessness charity The Breakfast Bothy has been operating since 2020 and provides hot meals, jackets, and vital items to people experiencing homelessness.
Many guests at The Breakfast Bothy sleep rough throughout the freezing Edinburgh winter, and carry their belongings with them from place to place every day. Often they are ill-equipped for the weather, have no place to dry their clothes and bedding, and are hungry for a warming meal. Many are isolated, have limited connections with services, and appreciate being greeted by a friendly face at The Breakfast Bothy.
Donate to the fundraiser
By taking on the Arctic challenge, Carlowrie Group leaders raised funds that will directly support our community with the essential items they need. To donate, please do so here. We appreciate your generous support.
