Dreghorn dad and son take a hike for charity

Jul 30 2010 by John Woods, Irvine Herald

CHARITY: Irvine father and son walk for charity

A CARING father and son have trekked through some of the most remote countryside in Scotland to raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

Bill Rattray, 55, and his 25-year-old son Mark Bingham walked from Loch Boisdale on South Uist all the way to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, an epic 109-mile trip through some of the most rugged – but most beautiful – scenery in the country.

“We started off at Loch Boisdale on South Uist and walked the length of the island, passing through Benbecula on our way into North Uist,” said Bill who works as a chef at The Gables, at the rear of Irvine's Kings Arms Hotel.

“Next we caught a ferry to Berneray and crossed over to Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris then it was back on with the hiking boots and up to Isle of Lewis and Stornoway – our final destination.

“It took us four-and-a-half days including the ferry trip, but it was a great experience and we met some fantastic people along the way.”

Bill stays in Main Street, Dreghorn, while Mark lives with his mum in Irvine.

Mark has learning difficulties and other problems and attends Todhill Country Farm as well as being a member of several other clubs and organisations.

He is also a student at Kilwinning's James Watt College where he has just completed courses in cookery, arts and crafts, yoga and relaxation.

“We wanted to raise money for some of the people who have helped Mark and our sponsored walk raised more than £700 which will go to North Ayrshire Young Carers,” said Bill.

“Mark and I would both like to thank everyone who sponsored us, but special mention must go to Derek Matthews who runs the quizzes at the Kings.

“He really got behind us and raised a fantastic amount of money from the punters, he was just brilliant.”