A deafblind pensioner was the toast of St Andrews on Saturday after completing an inspirational charity trek across Scotland.
Michael Anderson set off from Iona earlier this month for the 220 mile cross-country hike.
Accompanied by his daughter Fiona, daughter-in-law Nina Smirnoff, and a host of volunteers, the 75-year-old strolled up The Scores to mark the conclusion of his remarkable quest.
Speaking to The Courier, Fiona, who completed half of the walk alongside her father, said the experience had meant so much to him.
“It was very emotional coming up to the finishing line and slightly overwhelming.
“The walk has been a huge affirmation for my dad and we have met so many wonderful people along the way.
“It has really taken him out of his comfort zone.
“The last time he went camping was when he was in the cubs, which was a long time ago, so things like that have been a huge undertaking.”
Mr Anderson left Iona on May 6 in a bid to raise £15,000 to help build a new learning and development centre for Deafblind Scotland.
The expedition, dubbed “Michael’s Way”, was based on an old pilgrimage route and is the second part of three challenges he is undertaking.
Last year he completed the Eyemouth Spring Triathlon and his next test will be a gruelling 50-mile cycle ride, possibly between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Hopeful that her father’s experiences can help raise awareness of deafblindness, Fiona added: “People often think that deafblindness is two disabilities, but it is not.
“Deaf people can adapt their sight, and blind people can adapt their hearing, but for deafblind people it is a totally different scenario.
“My dad is lucky as he has access to a lot of support, but deafblindness can be very lonely for people.
“I know he is delighted that this experience has opened up a line of communication about deafblindness with the people he has met and it is so important to him that the money can be raised for the new centre.”
Donations can be made to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michaelsway.