Student becomes youngest Scot to conquer peaks

A STUDENT has become the youngest Scot to climb the highest peak on each of the seven continents after conquering Mount Everest.

Geordie Stewart, 21, who studies history and theology at St Andrews University, reached the summit of the world's highest mountain at 2am yesterday, completing the Seven Summit Challenge.

It took him just four years to complete the quest.

At the age of 18, he climbed Aconcagua in South America before scaling Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount McKinley in North America, Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Carstenz Pyramid in Oceania.

Speaking to his father Hugh from the top of Everest, Mr Stewart said: "This is the most amazing moment of my life.

"I am standing at the highest point in the world. I can't quite believe it."

The young mountaineer, described by legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes as "an ambitious young man with genuine determination", is now on the descent to base camp, which he will reach in the next two or three days and where he is expected to spend his 22nd birthday.