A FATHER and son duo from the Wee County will cycle to the most northerly high school in Scotland to help fund a school expedition.

Menstrie dad David McLaren and his son Nathanael will set off from Alva Academy on Wednesday, July 29, and make their way to Thurso High School.

Pedalling around 75 kilometres a day, the pair aim to raise funds along the way for a building expedition Nathanael hopes to attend with the academy next year.

Speaking to the Advertiser, David, 54, said: "You wouldn't think from looking at me, but I cycled from Land's End to John O' Groats a few years ago, as a solo cycle.

"So I've done it, and it's not easy.

"This is about a third of that.

"My son, who's 15, hasn't done anything like this, so for him it's a bit of an unknown adventure.

"We've been out training, and we've done the distances – 75 kilometres – we're going to be doing each day.

"But when you're training, you're kind of pushing it, and the trip isn't like a race.

"As long as you get to your destination and you've got somewhere safe to sleep each night [you'll be fine]."

Despite the gruelling challenge, Nathanael was feeling relaxed about the trip.

Speaking a few days before setting off, he said: "I'm feeling quite good about it."

The duo plan to complete their cycling trip in five days, and will be staying at friend's houses and Airbnbs along the way.

By the end of the trip, they hope to raise £3,000 in donations.

Those donations will go towards Alva Academy's Tanzania expedition in 2021.

The trip will see pupils get their hands dirty, working alongside local builders to construct family homes for vulnerable families and orphans.

David said: "At Alva Academy, the staff there are really amazing for fundraising and volunteering.

"For the kids, it's a really good thing to open their eyes to the fact there's a world beyond Clackmannanshire."

Nathanael's fundraising page is available online; to make a donation, visit tinyurl.com/y3qhfv7d