COMEDIAN Rory McGrath and a blind Blairgowrie man were among 80 participants who tackled the Glen Nevis River Race on Saturday. The fundraising challenge saw adventurers navigate a two-mile stretch of the River Nevis, near Fort William, in an array of inflatable craft. Kitted out in wetsuits and crash helmets, the thrill-seekers started the race by launching themselves off a 35ft-high bridge and plunging into the River Nevis. Following the deepest course of hte river, they then negotiated a way downstream, before jumping 30ft off the Lower Falls Leap, one of hte last of the obstacles on the course. The challenge proved overwhelming for Mr McGrath, who was pulled from the river after a short distance. Meanwhile, Dean Dunbar, 40, of 3 Hawthorn Lane, Blaairgowrie, became the first registered blind person to complete the course. He was accompanied by his wife, Rhona, who guided him throughout the tricky route. More than 3,000 people have taken part in the annual race since 1973, raising thousands of pounds for Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. Press & Journal | 
