Six soldiers from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS) are setting out on a 1750-mile charity cycle.
The team gathered at Edinburgh Castle for the sounding of the One O’Clock Gun ahead of a journey that will take them through tough European terrain.
Exercise Tartan Casino begins with a flight out to Monte Cassino in Italy where they will begin a 14-day road trip.
They will travel 125 miles per day before reaching regimental headquarters at Edinburgh Castle.
The team aim to raise around £50,000 for Help for Heroes, Erskine House, The Royal Regiment of Scotland Association and The Black Watch Association.
Event leader Lieutenant Robert Stewart said, “The inspiration for Tartan Cassino began when a member of our team met a former soldier who had served in The Black Watch during World War Two…
“To honour him and the others who fought there, we will lay a wreath at a memorial before starting our journey.”
Lt Stewart (23), from Edinburgh, will join Sgt Richard Clark (26) from Dunfermline, Sgt Robert McCready (30) from Greenock, L/Cpl Kevin Patterson (30) from Dunfermline, L/Cpl David Cassidy (32) from Dundee and L/Cpl Ruairdh Wedgwood (28) from Perth.
Visit www.tartancassino.com for more details.