A Moray paralympian will open up about his triumphs in the face of adversity this weekend.
Despite being diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition that could leave him blind Steve Bate, from Lossiemouth, refused to give up on a passion for outdoor thrills.
The 39-year-old was the first visually impaired climber to scale El Capitan in Yosemite solo.
And last year, the cyclist came home with two gold medals from the Paralympics after setting the goal of competing despite never having ridden in a velodrome.
Now the athlete is returning to Moray to tell tales from his global adventures and his passion for adventure despite his condition as part of the Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival.
Mr Bate said: “I’m very excited to be returning home to Moray to share my adventures with the people who have supported me from the outset of my visual impairment diagnosis.
“The Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival is a fantastic even and one I’m very proud to be associated with. I hope the fantastic local community come out and support it in numbers.”
Bea Jefferson, chairwoman of the Moray Way Association, added: “We are thrilled to have Steve as part of the programme this year and we are sure that this talk will be inspiring to all ages and abilities.”
The festival features more than 50 events spread across 10 days from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 25.
Mr Bate will speak to an audience at Elgin Town Hall on Saturday, June 17 at 7.30pm. Entry £10, under 16 £5.
