Some screamed as they jumped over the side, some sang and some maintained a dignified — or should that be terrified — silence.
But each and every one of the 130 people who signed up to abseil down the 120ft Dundee University Tower Building on Saturday played a part in raising a substantial five-figure sum for the city’s Maggie’s Centre.
A superhero, a 60-year-old birthday girl, nurses and three former Dundee United players were among those stepping up for the challenge.
Organiser Tracey Curry was taking it all in her stride and had drafted in family members to help with selling raffle tickets, registering entrants and handing out certificates.
Tracey, an active schools co-ordinator, organised her first abseil two years ago after losing her aunt to cancer and was so successful Maggie’s asked her to consider repeating the event.
The last abseil raised £22,000 once Gift Aid was added, and she hopes to reach that figure again.
Former Tannadice favourites Dave Bowman, Grant Johnson and Gary Bollan were among the first-time abseilers taking part.
“My legs are still like jelly,” said Dave, after his feet were back on the ground.UnknownGary said the worst point was stepping off into the unknown.
“Once you get going it’s really all right because you can’t see down,” he added.
When he had his breath back, Grant said he was glad he had taken part.
“It’s just such a great cause and it was fun,” he said.
Batman also made an appearance in the form of Ian Macleod.
Ian, who owns the Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant in Monifieth, said, “My closest friend died last June and she was really well supported by the Maggie’s Centre in Edinburgh.”
For Mrs Pat Motion, from Inchture, the abseil was her “first time ever and last time ever.”
Pat works for Dundee City Council and, determined to celebrate her birthday in an unusual way, she got together with five friends and family members to form Team 60 Today, which raised more than £1200 for Maggie’s.