Getting closer....

Another good few days to report:

Working backwards; I was contacted today by a researcher at STV with a view to putting a programme together centred around the exepedition. Its very early days, as these things need to be pitched for, but this shows increasing media interest in the challenge, and hence opportunities for potential sponsors to have their support recognised.

Yesterday I was offered, and accepted, support from Telespazio VEGA UK Ltd which will include satellite communications, training and airtime. In addition to this being one of the last major items on my list to sort out, it also means an additional cost reduction to the expedition.

Furthermore, I've also recently had a pledge of financial support for part of my boat charter costs confirmed. This, along with the agreement with Telespazio VEGA UK Ltd, means that the expedition costs have been reduced yet further.

Now if I can get my memory stick with the spreadsheet on to work (it crashed last night!) I can update the costings and the outstanding funding requirements on the website in order to attract further financial support.

Getting closer....

A date with the Rock booked

I have finally got a date booked in the diary for going to Rockall with Kilda Cruises on their new boat, which will be finished next month. Its being built especially, not for me (!) but for trips to Rockall and other off-shore work.

The duration of my visit/stay is still to be confirmed as its still very dependant on funding. Either way, I will be going in a few months time and will either land and conduct a recce for a future expedition, or land and stay for 60 days if the weather allows.

Now, in addition to trying to raise the funds I need, its time to start training. So back to climbing, swimming and running as its going to be tough no matter what the weather decides to do, especially after the long cruise out from the Outer Hebrides on a probable rough sea.

Space for Sponsors...



Photo credit: Phil Wilkinson, Edinburgh Evening News

The word is spreading, I managed to get a great double page spread in the Edinburgh Evening News and on The Scotsman website. I hope sponsors are watching and notice all the free space available on the RockPod shelter for logos, which will appear in future press photos and newspaper articles.

Oh My Pod!

I managed to get some great PR for the expedition from The Sun yesterday. If you didn't see the article, and the awesome Sun headline, click on this link.

The RockPod isn't finished yet, I still have to finish the insulation, fit the flooring and line it, but I'm not far off.  If anyone reading this has some fibre glass, gelcoat or loads of cash going spare, please get in touch.

Also, please note all the shiny space for sponsors logos; there is a new section on the expedition website which outlines the benefits of supporting the expedition to potential funders.

New Rockall Solo Facebook Page

I'm please to announce the all new Rockall Solo Expedition Facebook page has been launched today. This will allow me to update the Facebook page regularly with my Tweets and Blogs, which I was unable to do on the old Facebook group. Please click the link and 'like' it.