An adventurer is aiming to become the first person to ever swim, cycle and run the length of the country.
Sean Conway, 34, will set out from John O’Groats today on his effort to run nearly 1,000 miles in six weeks, mostly off-road, on tracks and paths.
If he makes it, it will be the third time he has journeyed from one end of the country to the other, having cycled the route in 2008 and swimming the equivalent length in 2013.
Mr Conway will be the first to complete the unique triathlon if his run is successful.
His attempt to complete the run last year was aborted in Drumnadrochit after he fell and injured himself by trying to take a selfie.
But Mr Conway said he is “better prepared and stronger” this time around – although before setting off he admitted: “I’m really not a very good runner”.
He added: “The cycle was pretty easy, anybody could do that really. The swim was hard, probably the hardest thing I’ll ever do.
“But as I said I’m really not a runner. I’ve never done a marathon or even a half-marathon so I don’t know how I’ll hold up.
“I expect to get stronger and fitter as it goes on but the first two weeks will be the real challenge.”
The adventurer plans to follow trails to avoid roads as much as possible and will carry a tent and his own equipment on his back while he runs.
Although he will be followed by a film crew, he has insisted that they do get involved with choosing the route or carrying equipment in order to “keep the adventure as natural as possible”.
He is planning to set off west from John O’Groats towards Tongue, before heading south towards Drumnadrochit.
He then plans to follow the Great Glen Way and the West Highland Way south.
The Zimbabwe-born explorer will not be carrying any food or cooking equipment and is aiming to finish up each day near a town in order to stock up on supplies.
He added: “I’m making sure that I don’t plan too much and I want to take the advice of people who know the tracks and where to go and see things.
“I know it’s going to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it.
“Scotland should be the most enjoyable section of all and I’m looking forward to seeing the countryside and meeting interesting people.”