An Elgin-born Hollywood actor will join two friends to tackle Scotland’s highest mountain today and raise money for a Scottish charity.
Kevin McKidd will climb Ben Nevis with fellow actor Iain Robertson and film set chef Guy Cowan.
The trio’s efforts will raise money for the Scottish Cot Death Trust (SCDT), which supports bereaved families.
SCDT is a charity close to Iain Robertson’s heart and funds raised will go towards publishing a book, Andrew’s Rainbow, for young siblings affected by the loss of their brother or sister through cot death.
Mr Robertson’s family had their lives devastated when they lost his elder sister Nicola to cot death.
Mr Robertson, who is now an ambassador for the SCDT, said: “The support I have received in fundraising from friends has been incredible.
“Restaurateur and film set chef Guy Cowan supported by putting on a cracking Burns night and now my old mucker Kevin McKidd is making the time between his busy filming schedule to throw his weight behind raising funds for the SCDT.
“It’s all been pulled together last minute, but with Kevin’s support and Guy’s exquisite picnic to fuel us on our way, I’m sure we’ll make it to the top.”
Trainspotting star Mr McKidd said: “I know that Iain has personal reasons for supporting such a worthy charity and I’m glad space in my schedule has allowed me to get involved.
“As a parent I can’t even begin to imagine what the loss of a child would feel like. I hope people dig deep to help the Scottish Cot Death Trust continue to offer much-needed support and assistance.
“It’s great to be home and taking in the Scottish scenery again and helping out such a good cause in the process.”
Starting from the visitor centre at 11am, the three friends who met 19 years ago on the set of Glasgow gang film Small Faces, will set off on the climb, estimated to last seven hours in total.