A HELENSBURGH councillor has completed Scotland’s best loved long distance walking route to raise more than £1,000 for a mental health charity.
Graham Hardie, Liberal Democrat representative for the Helensburgh Central ward, took on the West Highland Way earlier this month in aid of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
The trail, which stretches 154km across the country from Milngavie to Fort William, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and Graham reached the finish line on Friday, October 16 after seven days pounding the paths on his own.
“It was the best experience I have ever had,” he told the Advertiser.
READ MORE: 'Mental health impact of pandemic could be generational'
“The weather was good and I camped for three days, spent one night in a hotel and two days in a pod.
“I tried it when I was a teenager but never managed it, so I’m pleased that I’ve completed it.
“I would do it again. I was walking for 10 or 11 hours a day and it’s very exhilarating doing so much exercise.
“The first stage is quite easy but the rest of it is very hard going, but it’s very scenic and I met a few folk along the way.”
Graham decided on the fund-raiser in memory of his good friend Robert Marsland, who passed away in 2018.
He has so far raised more than £1,100; to donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Graham-Hardie.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here