Launch of beach wheelchair service at Chariots of Fire run

A beach wheelchair service in St Andrews will be launched alongside the Chariots of Fire race next month.

The Hamish Foundation has bought the specially adapted mobility aids to help make the town’s award-winning beaches more accessible.

Fundraising plans are being put in place by the charity, which recently joined forces with the St Andrews Local Tourist Association, to buy even more wheelchairs.

The official launch of the scheme is on June 3 at the West Sands.

Debbie Maccallum, a Founder of the Hamish Foundation and chairwoman of Tourism St Andrews, said: “We felt that the opportunity for everyone to share in enjoying our wonderful St Andrews beaches was extremely important.

“Many families cannot offer their family members an inclusive day out with friends and other family members due to beach mobility challenges.

“The positive feedback from so many people about our initiative has been exceptional and proves how important the opportunity is for so many children and adults, both locals and visitors, to enjoy some time on our lovely beaches here in St Andrews.

She added: “The fundraising support and donations from organisations, individuals, local and national businesses has been overwhelming and, as a group, we would like to thank everyone for their efforts thus far.

“We have a long way to go to reach an ideal number of beach wheelchairs for use but we are confident that, with the donations and creative fundraising ideas that people have planned, the momentum will be sustained moving forward”.