Hollywood star John Hannah joined thousands of cyclists on an epic race through Highland Perthshire.
The Four Weddings and A Funeral actor brought some showbiz glamour to this weekend’s Etape Caledonia.
More than 3,000 hardy souls braved early morning dreich conditions for the annual closed-road sportive.
Setting off from Pitlochry on Sunday morning, the most dedicated riders pedalled for 85 miles along the banks of Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, before taking a demanding, twisting climb up the side of Mount Schiehallion.
Participants could also opt for a gentler 40-mile circuit.
Just a few wee words of inspiration from @JohnHannah for today’s #EtapeCaledonia riders. Enjoy folks! pic.twitter.com/Auv7XDp3XV
— Etape Caledonia (@EtapeSeries) May 19, 2019
Hannah took in some of the local sights during his training. The day before, he delighted local businesses and fellow racers by spending some time in Pitlochry, taking time to stop off at local store DrinkMonger to buy a bottle of gin for post-event celebrations.
The actor took to social media during on Saturday to complain about the weather. “It wasn’t like this yesterday,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, it will be miserable again tomorrow. Ah, Scotland.”
Lovely to meet peeps doing #EtapeCaledonia including @JohnHannah (enjoy your gin tomorrow ). Hope the rain stays away but if not, a wee dram should help warm you up! pic.twitter.com/nazWvwRPC0
— DrinkmongerPitlochry (@drinkmongerpit) May 18, 2019
It wasn’t like this yesterday. Unfortunately it will be miserable again tomorrow! Ah Scotland. pic.twitter.com/qQqHke6nRH
— John Hannah (@JohnHannah) May 18, 2019
This year was the first event for new organisers Limelight, after they struck a deal to run the event for owners IMG.
Sunday’s event is expected to make tens of thousands of pounds for charity partners Marie Curie. In the last 11 years, the partnership has raised more than £1.6 million for the cause.
