THE London Marathon organisers have bought the Scottish firms behind the Loch Ness Marathon and Etape Loch Ness cycling event.
Caledonian Concepts and Loch Ness Marathon Ltd were purchased for an undisclosed fee by London Marathon Events (LME).
The popular events bring in thousands to the area every year.
READ MORE: Record number of runners take part in London Marathon
The Loch Ness Marathon – which has been going on for over 20 years – saw almost 10,000 people take part this year.
Meanwhile, more than 5600 cyclists took part in the 10th edition of the Etape in April this year.
Both Scottish companies were founded by Malcolm and Caroline Sutherland, who will continue to lead the events.
Sutherland said: "We are extremely proud of what we have created in the Loch Ness Marathon, Etape Loch Ness and Inverness Half Marathon over the past 18 years.
"This acquisition is evidence of how incredible the events have become, and this is thanks to the hard work and passion of our fantastic team and volunteers, our sponsors, charity partners and stakeholders including the Highland Council, and the Highland community who welcome and cheer on participants from around the world every year."
LME chief executive Hugh Brasher said: "Malcolm, Caroline and their team have developed a fantastic series of events in a beautiful setting that support a network of charities both in Scotland and across the UK.
"They work closely with the local community to produce events that have a unique feel and relationship to local businesses and the area. We pledge to continue their work and build on all they have done."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel