A charity worker and keen cyclist has set off on a gruelling 350-mile journey to raise funds for the National Trust for Scotland’s, Box the Hill House Appeal.

Accountant Struan Mills from Edinburgh set off from Gladstone’s Land, the conservation charity’s Royal Mile townhouse, on a journey that will take him to ten more of the Trust’s sites across the country, arriving at the Helensburgh heritage house on Monday 21 May.

The 37-year-old’s impressive effort is all in aid of the Trust’s drive to raise £1.5 million for its ambitious plan to protect the Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece that was built in 1904.

During the 150th anniversary of Mackintosh’s birth this year, the National Trust for Scotland is planning to build a “box” around the iconic property whose sandstone structure is dissolving under its cement render. The box will shield the Hill House from the rain, allowing the building to dry out and for crucial conservation work to take place.

Struan who has worked with the National Trust for Scotland for six years is ready for his challenge. He said:

“Like everyone who works for the National Trust for Scotland, I do what I do for the love of Scotland. I am really pleased to be playing my part in supporting this important appeal. The Hill House is one of Scotland’s treasures and we want to make sure that it’s protected for everyone.”

The Trust launched its Box the Hill House campaign in February 2018 and has raised £400,000 of its £1.5million target so far.

Richard Williams, General Manager for Glasgow and West at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “This is one of the most urgent and important appeals in our history. We have very limited time to get the box in place around the Hill House and start the process of drying the building out. We are really grateful to everyone who’s supported our efforts so far. Our members, donors, visitors, volunteers and staff are all playing their part in protecting Scotland’s heritage.”

Struan’s route will take him to Newhailes, Musselburgh, St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve, Berwickshire, Harmony and Priorwood Gardens in Melrose, Grey Mare’s Tale near Moffat, Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace in Ecclefechan, Broughton House in Kirkcudbright, Threave Garden near Castle Douglas, Culzean Castle and Country Park, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and ends at the Hill House in Helensburgh.

Donations in aid of Struan’s cycle can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/struan-mills.