Mountain cycle feat is for Gran

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.

- ALASTAIR MCNEILL

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.

"Sadly, this is no longer possible as both her communication and mobility skills have rapidly deteriorated."