An elderly mountaineer/orienteer has died while climbing Mount Elgon in Uganda.
Experienced Perthshire climber Dave Prentice had climbed to a camp on the mountain’s Suam trail over 11,000ft above sea level when the 70-year-old experienced breathing difficulties and had to be stretchered down the mountain by guides. He died en route to the trail head where medical attention was waiting.
At 14,177ft, Mount Elgon is one of the highest mountains in Africa and Mr Prentice was making an ascent with local guides who he has been helping in recent years. He had previously reached five of the mountain’s six summits. He was a member of Tayside Orienteers and lived in Tibbermore.
Mr Prentice studied at Birmingham University, where in 1967 he took a BA degree in commerce before moving into a successful business career working as a systems analyst. He worked in the then booming British car industry and later for Simplicity Patterns before retiring a few years ago after long service with General Accident.
Long-time friend Ron Harrison said: “His efforts to help establish orienteering in Scotland have been one of his principal challenges in recent years where he put in countless hours developing and mapping courses and administering orienteering events.
“His work via the Perthshire school system to introduce young children to the sport deserves particular mention.”
Mr Prentice is survived by his wife of 44 years, Liz, daughters Rowena and Laura, and son Roland.
