Home   News   Article

Tributes to North-East climber killed on K2


By Gavin Musgrove

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Leading Scottish mountaineer Rick Allen who was killed on K2 at the weekend.
Leading Scottish mountaineer Rick Allen who was killed on K2 at the weekend.

Tributes have been paid to a well-known Scottish climber killed in an avalanche while attempting a new route on K2 at the weekend.

Aberdeen-born Rick Allen moved near Nethy Bridge last year.

The 66-year-old had joined an expedition for an attempt on the world's second highest mountain in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan.

The climbing team had set up base camp at the end of June.

Their aim was to attempt the summit in the coming days if the weather was reasonable.

Rick was a trustee of Partners Relief and Development which seeks to meet health and educational needs of refugee children in some of the most challenging situations on earth.

He was aiming to raise at least £10,000 for the charity's work on the borders of Myanmar following the recent military crackdown.

In a statement the charity said: "Rick died doing what he loved the most and lived his life with the courage of his convictions.

"Rick was committed to serving the world's poorest and most vulnerable communities.

"All members of the board send our condolences to Rick's family."

Rick had also joined the Aviemore-based Hope Church and was an active member of the congregation.

A blog following the progress of the K2 expedition was being widely followed by the community.

His climbing partner Jerry Gore said: "Rick was an eccentric Scottish gentleman and was kind and compassionate to the end.

"He was just a really lovely person.

"He leaves behind few close family members but a lifetime of extraordinary experiences.

"The climbing world has lost a true legend."


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More