Pair in 210-mile walk in aid of rural charity

An agricultural officer and a former agricultural lecturer have completed a 210-mile walk to raise funds for rural charity RSABI.

Gregor Caldwell, who is principal agricultural officer at the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspections Division in Ayr, and Andrew Leggate, who worked for the Scottish Agricultural College for 42 years, walked along the Southern Upland Way.

The pair completed the walk from Portpatrick in the south-west to Cocksburn path on the south-east coast in 12 days.

Mr Caldwell said: “The real challenge is for hard working people facing up to tough times and everything that life throws at them.

“The real purpose of this event was to make sure we all let them know there’s a helping hand out there.”

RSABI development officer, Jill Sloan, said: “Huge congratulations to Gregor and Andrew who encountered every weather condition, including blistering heat on occasion, and continued to walk cheerily onwards.

“We were also delighted to welcome over 135 walkers from all across our rural community who gave up a day to walk with and support Gregor and Andrew along the way. They have all done their bit to raise important funds.” More than £10,000 has been raised and donations can still be made at www. virginmoneygiving.com/ Gregor Caldwell.

The walk was supported by SP Energy Networks and Davidson & Robertson.

Walkers team up in support of the 12-day trek along the Southern Upland Way to raise money for RSABI