In the Scottish Highlands, the word “thrawn” means “stubborn,” but stubborn for a good reason—a virtuous struggle to make the most of what’s available. Professional snowboarder Lesley McKenna was raised on this innate tenacity, and has spent her life pushing the boundaries of her sport and advocating for the people and place that shaped her. Like many other mountain areas across Europe, the Cairngorms are facing the impact of environmental and economical challenges first-hand to snow sports and the culture. But motivated to fight for what they have, the community are coming together to find ways to protect winter sports and the playgrounds for generations to come.