Meet the Buccleuch Property Challenge Team - David Peck

In the lead up to the 15th Buccleuch Property Challenge we are sharing some memories, insights and all-important top tips from the Buccleuch Property team. Up first we have David, Managing Director, MC and Challenge OG. Having taken part in all 14 past Challenges, David is the driving force behind the Challenge, he has seen and done it all…

How did the BP Challenge come about?

Shortly after starting at Buccleuch Property, I bumped into James England of BlueSky Experiences during a ski weekend and, over a liquid lunch, we were discussing what sort of event we could do to showcase why we existed and play on the keen interest in outdoor pursuits within the team. We hatched a plan for an adventure race on one of our estates and the Challenge took off from there. The rest is history!

How do you prepare for the big day?

At events gone by the answer would have been a large meal in the Thornhill Inn and far too many pints of Guinness the night before, but as the years go by, there is a bit more overall fitness prep that goes into it. The Thornhill Inn on the eve of the Challenge is still a key part but more for the carbs than the sauce now!

Tell us about a memorable moment at the Challenge.

Amongst the many great memories of the last 14 years, I always enjoy waking up the on morning of the Challenge (without a hangover these days) with the hope of a decent day with not too many hills or loch swims.?This is somewhat tempered by the trepidation of seeing what horrors James and Stuart Johnson, our Course Planner, have in store for us, but every map ‘reveal’ is always worth it. Best not to mention the time I was following James Macleod from Thornhill to the Castle to see his mountain bike cartwheeling off the top of his car…

For you, what is the best thing about the Challenge?

Rather than a single aspect, for me it’s a combination of being proud of being able to provide an excellent team building and networking event amongst some of Scotland’s finest countryside with the added bonus of consistently raising funds for our annually selected good cause. We are all so pleased to have raised over ￡170k for a diverse and deserving group of charities.

What is your number one top tip for competitors?

It’s not always about the speed, but accuracy and keeping momentum! Make sure you can read a map and if not, make sure you can bribe Stuart for some pointers before the start.

What should people expect this year?

This is always a closely guarded secret that I don’t even get to know… honest!

The Buccleuch Property Challenge is a team-building adventure race that takes place in the stunning Queensberry Estate, Dumfries and Galloway on Friday 9th September. For more information or to register, visit our website: https://www.buccleuchproperty.com/the-buccleuch-property-challenge