A Mearns man is about to embark on a charity challenge to travel from Inverness to Fort William – on a stand-up paddle board.
Jim Wight, of Inverbervie, is doing the challenge in memory of his grandfather Colin Oliver, who died from cancer last year.
The 32-year-old is planning to complete the 120-mile round trip in six days.
Jim has most recently worked as an outdoor instructor so is used to kayaking, but he had only stood on a paddle board for 20 minutes before deciding to undertake the challenge.
He said: “I wanted to do something different. I’d only been on a stand-up paddle board once before deciding on the challenge and to be honest I found it quite boring – but that was just when I was going around a still lake.
“On this challenge I will be at the mercy of the weather.
“I’m hoping to cover 20 miles in about five hours a day – but depending on the wind it might mean that it takes me four days to reach Fort William and two days back.
“Weather’s going to be the biggest challenge. If the wind’s going against me it’s going to be hard.
“I don’t know where I’ll end up at each day because it completely depends on the conditions.”
So far Jim, who grew up in Montrose, has raised just over £1,700 which will go to Cancer Research UK.
He will be completely unsupported so his food, clothes and camping equipment will have to be secured to his 12ft 6in paddleboard.
“On my board I’ve got in front of me my sleeping bag, clothes, food, cooking equipment and wet suits,” he continued.
“At nights I will be sleeping in a hammock and a tarpaulin. I’m trying to keep it as lightweight as possible.
“Although I don’t have a lot of experience on a stand-up paddle board, a lot of it is technique. I know how to use a paddle and keep the board on a glide so that it keeps the speed up.
“There were six weeks between my granddad’s diagnosis and his death, so that’s why I’m going to complete the challenge in six days.
“I’m pleased with the amount I’ve raised. Especially since I’ve been working full time as well.”
People can sponsor Jim at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-wight2015
