Kilmarnock to Inverness was deemed by many, not least the Marchers themselves, as the most difficult Highland March to date, with it even being quoted as 'a marathon over Ben Nevis every day'. That, however, was last year, and times have swiftly brought the Marchers back to the attention of the First Divison fixture list, which has ultimately thrown a trip to Somerset Park, Ayr, for the penultimate fixture!

The WH and GG ways were visited only once previously by our band of hero's, when they ventured south on HM5 for a final day fixture at St Mirren Park. Stuart McCaffery scored the only goal in a 1-0 win, to ensure ICT won all their final 5 post-split fixtures without conceeding. Despite finishing 7th that season (their highest ever league finish) had ammased more points than the team in 4th, Hibernian - 'Splitus Daftus'?
Route planning for this was simple yet hottly debated as it was clear only 2 routes would be suitable. The route as stated above, or a repeat of HM7 and more Ben Nevis marathon jaunts. Various instances were taken into consideration, such as the reduction of daylight hours, potential snow melt at various stages and the disadvantages of constant road walking. Accommodation is always a factor when plotting routes, as is the support vehicle, so settling for the predominently off-road schedule was ultimately confirmed.
The Marchers this year are the ever present Yompa and Gringo Jnr, who hope to keep their 100% end-to-end records in tact. Joining them is the ever aging Gringo and participants of the last 2 years, Dunco and Slater. After missing most of HM7 due to Tartan March and work commitments, the Highland March welcomes back Chumba for his 4th end-to-end outing. And finally two new faces to a full March this year are Heather (MrsSlater), and Carbon Footprint - this years support driver and also Yompa's brother - this could be one windy event.
We loose the ever present that is CaleyD, as after his retirement from driver duty last year, has now had to withdraw due to other unforseen circumstances. There is no doubt he will be back, and no doubt that Highland March will be as big a chalenge as any. And who knows, maybe we'll get Queen of the South next term?