- 3 Peaks 2005
Alan Rankin
Alan is supporting two charities close to his heart
Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and Parkinson's Disease Society. Alan said "Sailing has been such an important part of my life and I hope that through this charity challenge I can put a little back to two causes that mean so much to me. I lost my Dad as a result of Parkinson's and I believe the cure for this horrible affliction is out there. It must be found so that families do not have to suffer the agony of seeing their loved ones struggle and suffer. My Dad built a Mirror sailing dinghy and taught me how to sail and was keen sailor himself. He enjoyed many a happy cruise on the west coast of Scotland and I only wish he was here now to share this common love."Regarding Ocean Youth Trust Scotland Alan adds "A defining moment regarding my already high view of sail training work was when on a train reading a sailing magazine a lad who out of the corner of my eye I had pre-judged as a 'junkie' causing problems with a loud and semi coherent voice leant over the adjoining aisle and he asked if I knew anything about sailing. The following 45 minutes were spellbinding. This poor lad described his rehab programme and enthused about his time at sea with OYTS. He described in detail his jobs on the boat and the pride he had in now knowing how to properly coil a rope, load a winch, steer the boat and hoist a sail.
Throughout this discussion a rather nervous conductor passed on more occasions that normal each time casting me a glance to check if I was being bothered. The lad had obviously been through the mill but to hear the inspired description of his first night sail and his first dawn at sea was both fascinating and humbling for one who has almost become blasé to such events. Rather than recoiling from his approach which was my honest first reaction I found our conversation moving and one of the most enjoyable ever had on the commuter train. I stepped off the train even more determined to help where I can with a charity that can have that sort of impact on a young person. I hope that lad makes his own private goals."
Alan is chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Forum. STF is the trade membership body that represents the interests of Scottish tourism businesses. Prior to that he was chief executive of Dundee Heritage Trust who own and operate two visitor attractions, Verdant Works and Discovery Point the home of Capt. Scott's ship Royal Research Ship Discovery. In 2001 to help celebrate the centenary of the launch of RRS Discovery Alan attracted a fleet of tall ships to Dundee which drew 50,000 people to the event.
Alan had a successful athletics career representing Scotland and won the national Decathlon title on seven occasions. Since then he has been 'ticking over' and now competes regularly in the mountain running and sailing adventure race the Scottish Islands Three Peaks Race and has over the years recorded a first, second and third in the event.
Alan lives in Carrbridge, is married to Shona and has two daughters Jennifer and Katrina.
