Two Aberdeen aficionados have organised a fundraising pilgrimage which will see them visit 32 football grounds in just 32 hours.
Bob Bain and Jock Gardiner will travel across Scotland to muster funds for the AFC Heritage Trust who plan to create a heritage and learning centre at the Dons’ new Kingsford stadium.
Last year, the football fanatics visited all the Highland League grounds in just 18 hours and raised £8,500 in the process.
This latest challenge will include all the Lowland and South of Scotland League stadia in less than a day and a half.
Mr Bain, whose son Jonathan will also accompany them on the journey as team media co-ordinator, said: “We were overwhelmed by the support we received last year when we travelled around the Highland League grounds.
“It was an incredible experience and we knew that we had to top it if we wanted to raise more money for the heritage and learning centre at Aberdeen FC’s new stadium.”
The pair will kick off their challenge from Kelty Hearts’ New Central Park before travelling around 500 miles across Scotland before finishing at Forthbank Stadium, home to Stirling Albion.
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Mr Gardiner said: “As trustees of the AFC Heritage Trust, it’s really important to us to celebrate the history of the club – and of football across Scotland – in order to ensure an important part of the country’s sporting history is not forgotten.
“With planning permission now secured for the new stadium, we will ensure that the heritage of Pittodrie is properly celebrated at the new centre.
“On our tour around the grounds, we may be able to visit a couple of sites where teams who have now disbanded used to play to keep their memories alive.”
Part of the journey will be sponsored by accountancy firm Hall Morrice, of which Mr Bain is managing partner, while transport has been provided by Morrison Motors in Turriff.
Their challenge can be followed online with the hashtag #AFC32in32.
