A massive 1,300-mile fundraising trek to help resurrect an historic Moray landmark will be captured on film.
Monks at Pluscarden Abbey will embark on the incredible 13-week journey from France to their home near Elgin later this year.
The project received a further boost this week, following the appointment of a Gurkha with 25 years of experience in the Himalayas to run the logistics of the odyssey.
It is hoped the massive hike will raise at least £1million towards the restoration of the building’s historic South Range that is expected to cost about £10million.
And now, it has been announced the expedition, which begins in June, will be the focus of a documentary and book to record the dedication of the monks to their ancient home.
The project’s development director, Lieutenant Colonel David Broadfoot, said: “We had been looking at doing a film about the pilgrimage, but the cost was looking at running to about £250,000.
“Then, a young fellow Christopher Court was up on a retreat [at the abbey] and he’s really quite experienced and offered to do it at no cost.
“It’s an incredible journey and will go through some amazing scenery. It should make for a fascinating documentary.”
A daily diary will also be recorded during the expedition and collated in book form. Hundreds of trekkers are expected to take part in the 1230 Pluscarden Pilgrimage, which is named after the year the monastery was founded.
They will be led by Jai Lama, a former Gurkha officer, who served the British Army for more than two decades.
He will be responsible for the pilgrimage support team, dismantling accommodation and cooking facilities in one location to have them ready for the walkers once they arrive at their next destination.
He will fly in from Nepal in April to take over following the departure of Marty Wilkin for family reasons.
Lt Col Broadfoot added: “With all his Himalayan experience, it’s an absolute dream to have him as part of the pilgrimage.
“It’s a major operation and it will need someone like him to keep everything going.”
