A Dundee amputee is taking on an impressive challenge to raise money for a cause close to his heart.
Robert Wilson lost one of his legs below the knee when he was just a few months old but has never let his disability hold him back.
To prove it, he is planning to walk over the Tay Bridge, up Dundee Law, and back again to finish at Bridgeview Restaurant.
His Best Foot Forward challenge aims to raise money for the Amputee Football Association Scotland.
Robert, 29, is looking for people to sponsor him so he can raise £500 to help the organisation’s work.
He will be joined by fellow amputee footballers Leigh Gregory, Becca Sellar, Iain Matthew, Mick Lennon and charity founder Ashley Reid.
Robert started playing amputee football with Dundee United during the summer of 2017.
He said: “I’ve always been into football and played five-a-sides for years, but with my prosthetic leg I never considered playing at any sort of professional level. Amputee football has allowed me to do that.
“I want to raise the profile of amputee football. It’s getting bigger over the year but there isn’t a lot of attention on it in Scotland yet.
“I wanted to do something a bit different that involved Dundee. It would take an able-bodied person a couple of hours to complete the route. We’re not fooling ourselves that it will be challenge.”
During Robert’s short playing career he has already fulfilled what many people would consider their dream when he donned a Scotland top to play for his country against Italy in May.
“That was amazing,” he added. “To travel to Italy and play for my country was incredible, hearing the national anthem and all that.
“The association is a charity and it can cost a lot of money to put on things like travelling to Italy. I always try to challenge myself and wanted to raise money for an organisation and thought I should raise cash for something I am already involved in.”
Council leader John Alexander has been good friends with Robert since they went to school together. The pair even climbed Ben Nevis a few years ago.
The SNP councillor said: “I really applaud the efforts of those involved in fundraising for the Amputee Football Association and I’ll be out supporting them.
“It’s easy to take things for granted in life but I know that’s not case with this group. They are passionate ambassadors for the charity and you can’t help but be inspired by their dogged determination and superb football skills.
“I hope the Dundee public rally around them and show their support.”
Ashley Reid, CEO and founder of Amputee Football Association Scotland, said: “Rob has been an enormous asset to Dundee United’s amputee team but has also made international appearances which I know have made both him and his family very proud.
“Like all charities, we are reliant on the generosity of volunteers and donors to survive so we’re excited to see Rob set himself this challenge.”
The walk will kick-off on October 27 at 11am and Robert expects to complete the challenge by 5pm.
