Two crew members from tourist boat The Jacobite are diving into the deep end by pledging to swim across Loch Ness for charity.
Avid swimmers Leanne Johnson and Julian McArdle will swim the one-mile stretch across the water August 14 in aid of Highland mental health charity Mikeysline.
The pair will begin at Clansman Harbour before facing extreme temperatures of just six degrees – with the crossing expected to take just 45 minutes.
The charity remains a cause close to her heart following a personal battle with PTSD.
Ms Johnson said she wants to “give back” to the charity to show her “extreme gratitude” to those who helped her cope.
She said: “In comparison to those who suffer and what they experience, the cold, exposed and long swim across Loch Ness will be easy. I wanted to do something mentally and therefore physically challenging to keep raising awareness and to show my fellow mental health ‘brothers and sisters’ that I am eternally here for them and I understand.
“I also want to give back and show my extreme gratitude to those who were there for me just as Mikeysline is there for so many. It is so important to keep the lines of communication open and keep the conversation going. People must feel safe to talk about their health in any form and to recognise that it is not ‘weak’ to do so but one of the strongest things someone can do.”
Freda Newton, managing director of Loch Ness by Jacobite, said: “We’re all extremely proud of Leanne and Julian for taking on the challenge of swimming Loch Ness for a fantastic local charity that supports thousands of people each year.
“We’re looking forward to cheering them on in August.”