Chartered Forester, James Ogilvie (58) is one of only 40 Brits to make it to the top of the Seven Summits – the highest mountains on the world’s seven continents.
The Edinburgh local has travelled far and wide across the globe over the past 20 years in a bid to complete the life-long challenge, whilst raising thousands of pounds for Tree Aid.
The charity tackles poverty, protects Africa’s dry lands and helps poor communities to become self-reliant by using the potential of trees to reverse environmental decline.
James has been Head of Social and Planning Policy at Forestry Commission Scotland for 36 years and a Director at Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGNT) since 2014. The outdoor explorer is now celebrating his climbing achievements with the release of a new book, ‘Getting High – a world at my feet’.
James’ impressive climbs has seen him conquer Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, McKinley in North America, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, Kosciuszko in Australia and most recently, Mount Vinson in Antarctica.
Whilst always maintaining an active lifestyle with a love for the outdoors, James stumbled into high altitude climbing almost by accident some 20 years ago, after an unplanned ascent on Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 19,341ft.
Next on the list was South America’s mighty Aconcagua at 22,838 ft and then Mount McKinley at 20,320 ft. With three of the Seven Summits under his belt, James decided to attempt the almighty mountaineering challenge and complete all seven summits.
Everest was up next, the Earth’s highest mountain at 29,029 ft which has attracted mountaineers for centuries, and despite the icy conditions, altitude sickness and the infamous death zone, it remains James’ favourite summit.
The Everest expedition took a total of 10 weeks but thanks to a great team of people around him, James managed to summit on 22nd May 2007.
Spacing the climbing expeditions 3 to 4 years apart due to cost, James maintained his training and fitness levels through his love for hill walking. To this day, James has managed to work his way around most of Scotland’s Munros and has ascended 250 out of 282. He also cycles to work most days and has completed the Great North Run many times.
After each climbing expedition James wrote an account of each summit and so when it came to putting his book together he had most of the content written up already. James Ogilvie’s book, ‘Getting High – a world at my feet’ is out now and all profits made will go to Tree Aid.
Speaking of his mighty challenge, James said: “Completing all Seven Summits became a life-long ambition of mine and doing it all for such an amazing charity so close to my heart made the climbing expeditions all the more worthwhile. Although Tree Aid is a relatively small charity, it makes such a positive difference to some of the poorest communities in Africa.
“The Seven Summits are regarded by many as the crown jewels of mountaineering and I’m so proud that I’m one of the few to accomplish the challenge. What’s next for me? I would like to complete all of the Scottish Munros which is a worthy accomplishment to aim for.”
Keith Geddes, Chair of CSGNT, said: “James is an excellent example of why choosing a healthy and active lifestyle can reap benefits and bring a great sense of achievement in other areas of life.
“The £50,000 which James has raised for Tree Aid over the years is phenomenal and his passion for the outdoors and the environment is an inspiration to us all.”
CSGNT aims to improve the social, physical, cultural and environmental health and well-being of central Scotland, as well as assisting the area to meet the challenge of climate change.
James Ogilvie’s book, ‘Getting High – a world at my feet’ is available to purchase from publisher, Twinlaw and Amazon.
Submitted by Lesley Ogilvy
