If clients are looking for a six-day dirty break in Scotland, advise them that the ultimate Boy Scout and TV star Bear Grylls has launched his first ever Survival Academy in one of the last true wilderness areas of these islands: Sutherland in Scotland. The course, which launches in November, will comprise a combination of remote land/sea survival and adventure tasks that will culminate in a 36-hour wilderness expedition designed to put participants’ new-found skills to the test. 
Many of the skills adrenaline addicted enrolees will learn during the intensive six-day course include: how to build a fire in the pouring rain, what’s needed to make an emergency shelter, how to skilfully use a knife for survival, how to forage for grubs and rodents, and how to deal with remote medical trauma and extreme weather conditions. The academy, which has been designed by Bear Grylls, will be run by his close team of highly trained experts.
“So many people have asked me over the years where they can learn extreme, practical survival – the type that requires spirit, determination and the skills to self-rescue against the odds, in some of the harshest terrain around,” said Bear Grylls. “So it is with great pride that we can now finally launch the Bear Grylls Survival Academy to be able to share some of these skills and what it really means to be able to look after yourself when the chips are down.”
“Oh, and it may hurt a little,” he added.
Bear Grylls has become known around the world as the most recognised face of survival and outdoor adventure. With experience gained during his seven seasons of Man v Wild, Born Survivor and the many skills learnt from his time with the British Reserve Special Forces. The six-day survival course costs £2,999 (approximately €3,719).
Scotland’s spectacular landscapes have been shaped by history and the elements throughout the centuries so it is an ideal location for a Bear Grylls project. VisitScotland’s national initiative, The Year of Natural Scotland, will celebrate the country’s outstanding natural beauty and heritage in 2013, encouraging all Scots and visitors to experience and participate in outdoor activities and events, savour local produce and encounter rare and beautiful species of wildlife of which Grylls’ Survival Academy will play a part.
