When her friends return to Stonelaw High School next week, Caitlin Connor will be in the Alps aiming to become the youngest Scot to successfully climb three of Europe’s highest mountains.

After a final training session on the ice-walls at Snow Factor Braehead yesterday the 15 year-old climber will leave this Sunday in her bid to climb Mont Blanc (4810m), Grandes Jorasses (4208m) and the triangular ‘Toblerone’ shaped peak of the Matterhorn (4478m / 14,692ft).

Throughout the ten days of climbing, the teenager from Cambuslang will be joined by seasoned alpine climber Will Morris.

Caitlin, ranked 5th in the world in ice-climbing for her age group, hopes to reach the summit of the Matterhorn on or around the 19th August.

She also hopes to raise funds for two charities – Glasgow based climbing charity Urban Uprising and PoppyScotland.

It will be the first alpine expedition for Caitlin who over the past season has benefited from the tutelage of former GB Ice Climbing Team member Simon Ward.

Caitlin said: “I’ve always wanted to climb Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. They are such iconic mountains. I’m really excited and also grateful for all of the support I’ve received from Snow Factor, Rab and others. “

Caitlin’s dad, Mick, said: “As Caitlin’s parents we obviously have some apprehension and are aware of the risks involved, but also believe that supported by Simon and Will she has the necessary skills and qualities needed to complete this huge challenge.

“If successful, I believe she may be the youngest Scottish and possibly British climber to successfully climb all three mountains.”

Caitlin, who has been climbing for less than five years also has her sights set on competing at the World Youth Ice Climbing Championships in Finland (March 2019) and hopes to compete for Team GB should ice-climbing be selected as sport for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

The steep, triangular sides of the Matterhorn are believed by some to have inspired Theodor Tobler’s Toblerone chocolate bar.