Runners young and old will plunge into muck and grime on Speyside at the weekend to raise cash to breath fresh life into a treasured local landmark.
Proceeds from the annual Mortlach Mud Mayhem event in Dufftown will be used to secure the future of the town’s clock tower.
The town’s community association has already launched a bid to take control of the structure – which gained national infamy after the hands were allowed to stop turning on the clockface after the council stopped funding repairs.
The local group has funded repairs to the prominent structure and is now drawing up plans for its future.
Now proceeds from the mucky obstacle race will be funnelled into a fund dedicated to revitalising it once discussions with the council about a transfer of ownership conclude.
Up to 400 children and 100 adults are expected to slip and slide their way across the Mortlach mudder course on Saturday.
Community association chairman Fraser McGill said: “The mudder really has a tremendous reach. People come from all over for it, it’s quite amazing.
“We’re going to need some money for the clock tower. The roof still leaks and there’s dry rot so we’ll need to get that fixed.”
Final proposals for what the clocktower will be used for are still being drawn up. Potential options include a workshop, cafe or kitchen for the community to share.
The mudder will be held at Tininver Park from 10am to 2pm on Saturday. Entry £15, children £7.50.
