A HILLWALKER who was taunted about his weight after failing to climb on top of a summit monument has got the last laugh on his bullies by returning to the hill with a ladder in tow.
Dave Swan from Stirling filmed his botched attempt to climb the monument at the top of North Berwick Law two weeks ago after he tried to get a selfie stood atop the trig point.
His hilarious struggle delighted social media users, but drew “a small minority” of trolls who told him he “would never get up there”.
In response, the determined 31-year-old decided to revisit the hill on Friday, carrying a step ladder for the 40 minute ascent in order to give him the final boost he needed.
In Dave’s first video, he is seen awkwardly hopping onto the trig point and attempting to haul himself to the top in order to take a selfie.
As he wiggles around uncomfortably, his wife Trisha, 28, can be heard chuckling: “No chance.”
After 30 seconds of manoeuvering, Dave eventually gives up and dejectedly jumps off the monument.
However, fast forward one week and Dave has filmed himself triumphantly summiting the hill whilst carrying the folded ladder.
As he picks his way to the top, he turns to the camera and says: “Someone on Facebook messaged me and told me I’d never get to the top.”
He then strides over the trig point and sets up his ladder before tentatively climbing up.
As the wind whips around him, Dave stands on the point and exclaims: “Oh my god” as he surveys the 187m drop.
He then stretches his arms out wide and breaks into an enormous grin as he realises his achievement.
Social work student Dave took to a hillwalking group on Facebook to share his progress.
He shared the video and said: “I got a very supportive message from someone on here the other day saying I’d never get on a trig point. Don’t doubt me again, and that’s with a burst ankle.”
Dave’s post has earned him heaps of support.
David Gaw wrote: “Magic mate, get it right up them.”
Corrina Lacey added: “Brilliant. I need one of those – I’m far too short to get on a trig point.”
And Ewan Walsh said: “Well played.”
Speaking today, Dave said: “Most people found the first video funny, but I had maybe two or three negative comments from a small minority saying things like ‘what’s the weight limit on these’ or ‘is this how trig points get broken’”.
“Someone messaged me saying ‘you’ll never get on a trig point’ and I deleted this obviously, but I decided to go back with some step ladders.
“A few people were staring at me on the way up, looking confused. One guy even said ‘I’ve seen a lot of things on hills but this is the first time I’ve seen a step ladder’.
“Another asked if I was going to paint the old building at the top.”
“It’s been 100% positive this time. I can’t believe the support really.”
