Scottish film star Kevin McKidd went from the heights of Hollywood to the top of the UK’s highest mountain yesterday – all in support of a good cause.
Mr McKidd, who famously played Tommy in Trainspotting, took on the challenge to climb Ben Nevis alongside his friends, actor Iain Robertson and film set chef Guy Cowan.
They were fundraising for the Scottish Cot Death Trust (SCDT).
Mr McKidd, who now lives in California, spent the night before the climb at his parents’ house in Elgin, but he admitted that his preparation for tackling the 4,409ft peak was less than perfect.
Speaking as the trio left from Ben Nevis Visitor Centre yesterday morning, he said: “I have done no preparation at all. In fact, I was in the pub in Elgin two nights ago.
“But I play tennis and go jogging when I am in California, so I reckon I am fit enough to take on the Ben. Today is a bit colder than California but I was born in Elgin so I am used to it.”
They expected a four-hour climb, a one-hour picnic and three-hour descent.
Scottish Cot Death Trust is the charity close to Mr 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 were devastated when they lost his elder sister, Nicola, to cot death.
Rab C Nesbitt actor Robertson, 32, is an ambassador for the charity and has already raised more than £14,000.
The three men met on the set of Small Faces in the 1990s.
Mr McKidd added: “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.”
Mr Robertson 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 Burn’s 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.”
People can support the challenge by visiting www.justgiving.com/SCDTBenNevis.