A group of Aberdeenshire school pupils have handed a cheque for more than £11,000 to a north-east charity after trekking 260 miles across Scotland.
The team from Banchory Academy walked, biked and canoed from the west coast of the Isle of Mull to Aberdeen beach in aid of the city-based children’s charity, Charlie House.
Six teachers and 14 second and third-year pupils started out at Clachandhu beach on May 15 before setting off on the two-week Across Scotland adventure.
The group has now officially handed over a cheque for £11,188 to Charlie House.
The team’s route took in the Great Glen Way, Ben More, the Corrieyairack Pass and a 10-mile canoe journey from Laggan Lochs, near Fort William, to Fort Augustus.
The last leg of the Across Scotland challenge involved paddling on the River Dee between Drumoak and Aberdeen.
Colin Nicoll, depute rector of Banchory Academy and leader of the challenge party, said: “Each year we are amazed by the spirit and determination shown by the pupils and the latest expedition was no different.
“There was tremendous camaraderie throughout the group and I’m sure it is an experience they will never forget.
“Everyone who took part deserves enormous credit and it was fantastic to share the adventure with them.”
Charlie House supports children with severe disabilities and life-limiting and chronic conditions by offering them the chance to enjoy new activities and make new friends.
The charity is hoping to set up a specialist centre to provide day, emergency and end-of-life care as well as hydrotherapy pool sessions.
Charlie House chairwoman, Tracy Johnstone, said: “We’re thrilled to accept such a wonderful donation from the Banchory Academy team.
“It really was an incredible effort to complete the coast to coast journey and we cannot thank the pupils and staff enough.”