TWO modern-day adventurers retracing the steps of one of Scotland’s most popular fictional characters have completed the 540-mile sea leg of their journey.
Alan Rankin and Willie Gibson are following the route taken by David Balfour in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped, and have now landed on the rocky island of Erraid.
The pair set off from South Queensferry on Friday 20th May to undertake a gruelling sail around Scotland, and will now follow it up wit a 260 mile trek to the east coast.
The overland route crosses Mull, Morvern, Appin, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, the Trossachs, Hillfoots and returning over the Forth to South Queensferry and following the story to finish in Edinburgh.
The challenge tales place 130 years to the month since Stevenson completed what many believe to be one of his finest works. Kidnapped has not been out of print since it was first published in 1886.
Alan said. “We have had a fantastic sail of 540 miles. Great winds followed by light winds and, adverse tides off the top of Orkney with amazing views too. Delighted to be on land now and getting started on the walk.”
The trek will raise funds for three charities; Parkinson’s UK, Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and Stevenson Adventures.
Nick Fleming CEO at Ocean Youth Trust Scotland said: “Alan has been a long-standing supporter of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland. We are delighted that he has decided to fundraise on behalf of OYT Scotland during his adventure. The money raised will be used to fund young people to undertake their own adventures under sail.“
Denise McNiven, Scotland and Northern Ireland Fundraising Manager for Parkinson’s UK, said: “The services that Parkinson’s UK provides to people with Parkinson’s and their families depend entirely on donations and fundraising initiatives like Kidnapped 130. Parkinson’s UK is delighted Willie and Alan have chosen to support us and we wish them every success.”
