Born in 1856, John MacKenzie, of Sconser on the Isle of Skye loved to explore from an early age, first climbing Sgurr nan Gillean aged just ten. He went on to be the first ever native Scot to work as a professional guide and was hugely significant in early ascents of the Cuillin.

Professor Norman Collie, a renowned climber, was a frequent visitor to Sligachan.  He and John Mackenzie became firm friends and working together they established routes across the Cuillin range which have become recognised as so familiar today.

The Collie MacKenzie Heritage Group are looking to commemorate the achievements of both men with a bronze sculpture of both figures to be erected at Sligachan on Skye in 2020. Our aim is to gain public appreciation of their pioneering climbs of the Cuillin and to celebrate their connection with the place, and their appreciation of the significance of the landscape within Gaelic culture.

The Collie MacKenzie Heritage Group works closely with the Sligachan Hotel. Both men based themselves at this historic hotel when planning their pioneering climbs. Sligachan and the hotel will play host to the unveiling of the sculpture which is planned for Autumn 2020.

To date, our group have raised over £93,500 towards the sculpture and need to raise a further £23,500 to complete the project and place both figures in the landscape.

Learn more about us here      Our Story

We are looking for your support to help us build the sculpture and put it in place by Autumn 2020

Please help us to make history on the Isle of Skye.

Many thanks in anticipation of your support