THE DAVID CARGILL CHALLENGE
Picture a local man with links to Brechin, Aberdeen, Alyth and Perth landing on the Cannibal Islands - Fiji - in the 1830s.
Then imagine landing with your pregnant wife and baby daughter like three ''carry out meals'' for the locals, and you are the first white people to attempt to live in Fiji.
Now imagine a feast where 200 people were served up to the guests. Margaret Cargill didn't need to imagine as after the birth of her second child, Augusta, her local friends brought her a basket of human hearts and livers to make the baby strong and courageous.
Arriving with the thought of converting this entire country to Christianity. The Cargills largely succeeded in less than ten years. What is more, almost two hundred years later, they are still remembered with respect and affection by the Fijians.
Imagine being forgotten in your home country.
I have not forgotten them. the Rev. David Cargill is my great, great, great grandfather. I think of him everytime I am out walking because when he was homesick in Fiji, he wrote how he longed to be walking on the Hill of Alyth.
The aim of the DAVID CARGILL CHALLENGE is to send some youngsters from hereabouts over to Fiji with a purpose. Continuing to build the bond between Fiji and Scotland.
WHO WE ARE
Richard Price - Chair
My name is Richard Price and David Cargill is my great, great, great, grandfather. I am creating the David Cargill Challenge to honour his memory.
Carmen Dawson - Secretary
I'm Carmen Dawson and although I'm of no descent of the Cargills I am responsible in helping Richard get this challenge launched and as successful as it can possibly be.
Myself, my husband Sean and our 3 children often walk up the Alyth hill ourselves with our dog Rolo. So when asked to help Richard with this challenge I was honoured to be of assistance.
Innes & Martha
“My name is Martha and I am 16 years old. I am in 5th year at Websters High School and currently studying to tackle Highers in May 2022 for English, Biology, History, Geography and Art.
I am currently working towards my Silver Duke of Edinburgh award for which I really enjoyed our expedition hike from Scone to Glamis. Despite the blisters, I am keen to continue to push myself and explore, hopefully in areas a bit more adventurous than the Strathmore valley!
I am also a member of the sailing club in Forfar, and although my dad and I aren't going to be winning many awards for racing, I have really loved learning this new skill and being out on the water over the past few years.
I am a Queens Scout, thanks to my fantastic time with the 45th Alyth Scout group and would love to continue with my scouting career. I have done some research and found that there are roughly 4,000 Scouts in Fiji, surely something to work with!
As well as this, I am nearing the departure for a trip to Costa Rica this summer. This will involve working closely with the local communities learning about innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental issues as well as getting involved with conservation work. We will also be undertaking a PADI Open Water Dive Qualification, learning to scuba dive in tropical waters.”