A brave Scot on the isle of Arran has raised over £3,000 for a mental health charity by walking around the coastline of the island with a whisky barrel on his back.
The incredible challenge has seen Davy Ballantyne from Kilmory, who works at the recently opened Lagg distillery on the south side of the island, carry the 50kg barrel for nearly half of his 70-mile journey already.
Speaking about the fundraiser, Davy, said: "This crisis is the biggest challenge Samaritans has ever faced. Before Coronavirus hit, 20,000 Samaritans volunteers were answering a call for help every six seconds.
"This could be someone you know, family or friends in urgent need but unable to talk to anyone in the middle of the night.
"It is more important than ever for Samaritans to be there 24/7, 365 days a year for those who need them."
Adding that he initially hoped to raise just over £500, he explained that he is delighted to have smashed his target by almost 6 times that amount for something he feels incredibly passionate about, he said: "Your donation to Samaritans Emergency Appeal will help them reach those who are struggling to cope. It will help Samaritans recruit more volunteers and work faster on different ways to be there. Change the life of someone who desperately needs them."
A striking sight, Davy could be seen carrying the cask past Blackwaterfoot and the Kings Caves over the past couple of days, crossing roads, rivers, moors and beaches.
He is looking to finish the challenge over the next week by completing the journey in just ten days.
You can find Davy's Just Giving page here.
Friend Fraser Aitchison who is filming Davy on his journey, stated that the pair had previously taken an anvil up Goatfell, the island's tallest peak, as part of another charity drive, he said: "We wanted to do something else to help people. The response so far has been phenomenal."
He added that distillery worker Davy is looking forward to a "well earned dram" from his favourite distillery to celebrate when he finally completes the challenge.
People have been praising Davy's efforts with one who has already donated stating that both the Samartins and Big Davy are "true heroes" and adding that the world needs more people like them.
Speaking about Davy's charity work, managing director of Lagg distillery, Euan Mitchell said: "Big Davy's latest charity challenge is an incredible undertaking which is raising much-needed funds for the Samaritans at this extremely difficult time.
"Davy is an inspiration to us all with his determination to overcome all obstacles to make life better for others. We raise an Arran Dram to a local hero!"
