Mountain cycle feat is for Gran

Challenge in aid of Alzheimer Scotland

- ALASTAIR MCNEILL

A Perthshire cyclist is to take on a challenging 200-mile north east Scotland mountain course with a total ascent of 11,000ft this month for charity.

Perth city fireman Alastair Hare's route includes the Cockbridge to Tomintoul road over the Lecht which reaches a height of more than 2,110ft as well as the Cairnwell Pass on A93 Glenshee road (2199ft) and the Cairn o’ Mount (1,493ft) on the Banchory-Fettercairn road.

The 41-year-old decided to take on the July 17 solo challenge which starts and finishes in his home town of Coupar Angus - to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland after his grandmother Doreen was diagnosed with vascular dementia around two and a half years ago.

Alastair said: "As a family, it has been truly heartbreaking to watch the decline in her health as she was once a strong individual who enjoyed being able to do her daily activities and was an active member of the community.