An internet appeal has made a dream come true for a severely disabled teenager.
Shaun Hill from Stornoway was over the moon when about 30 big-hearted bikers and their gleaming machines turned up at his door for his birthday.
The youngster, who turned 17 yesterday, is obsessed with motorcycles but his disability means he will never be able to ride one himself.
However, Shaun – who needs constant care for his complex needs – got the next best thing with a ride on a Pirates of the Carribean movie-inspired trike driven by a Johnny Depp look-alike, the star who plays Jack Sparrow in the swashbuckling film series.
The teen rode pillion on a tour of Stornoway, with his trike at the head of the procession as hundreds of onlookers waved him on his way.
His mother Barbara wept with joy when the bikes roared onto their quiet street at Doig Crescent on Saturday.
Mrs Hill had wanted to make Shaun’s birthday extra special this year, and posted a plea on social media asking if any of her friends knew any bikers who would let her son get up close to their machine.
The 39-year-old said: “Shaun is a huge fan. He doesn’t speak, but motorcycles are one of the few things I found out he really likes.
“The online response was overwhelming.”
Local biker Adie Leng drummed up support after posting the message on the Hebriders motorcycle club page.
Louis Morrison roped in 18 bikers from the Royal British Legion – hailing from the Highlands, Dunfermline and Ayrshire – who were visiting the Western Isles.
Mrs Hill said: “It was so much fun. Shaun was totally blown away. I was watching his face when the bikes first started coming down the street. He was just thrilled to bits.
“To be honest, I did hardly anything. It was Adie Leng and the boys from the motorbike club who arranged everything. It is really down to them it was such a huge success.”
She added: “I am so touched. I was so, so thrilled to see how many bikes came. Then they all came over to shake Shaun’s hand and wished him happy birthday.
“I was so emotional because I was so happy for Shaun. He doesn’t often get to participate in things because of his disabilities which makes it difficult for him to get involved in stuff.
“The day was all about him and they made him feel amazing. They are really lovely, lovely people and I just cannot thank them enough.”