Fairlie man Sandy Neillands is well known as the village’s marathon man but recently tested himself to the limits of endurance with the ultimate test around Arran.

Encompassing some 55 miles, including many energy sapping uphill ascents, it was the grandad’s biggest challenge to date, and he was physically and emotionally drained as the end was in sight.

As he glanced over his shoulder, he could see the landmarks of Fairlie including the Clydeport terminal, and wind turbine in the background with Hunterston, and powered towards the finish.

Sandy was raising funds for the Beatson cancer charity in memory of his Uncle Willie Pattison who died from mouth cancer at 94, and as he crossed the line, the first person to embrace him was 91 year old mother Jessie amid emotional scenes.

“It was Jessie’s big brother who was the catalyst for the epic challenge - what a fantastic moment,” said Sandy, who was joined by family and friends for the ten and a half hour run, split over two days.

However, it wasn’t entirely plain sailing for Sandy as his plans to stay overnight on Friday evening before the two day challenge were scuppered due to a cancelled ferry, and so it was a Saturday sailing instead at 6.30am, resulting in an official 8am start on Saturday.

Thankfully the weather was good, and Sandy headed off from Brodick to Lamlash, and then Whiting Bay, and gradually as various landmarks were ticked off the journey, encouragement was growing. He was joined by his friend, and local policeman, Neil McKinnon who provided valuable support on his bike, providing encouragement, and protecting Sandy from passing traffic.

Sandy. who lives in Bay Street, said: “Neil was an excellent source of support - he would say: ‘That’s the Holy Isle gone, or that’s Ailsa Craig gone, you won’t see that again now during your journey, and kept me believing.” A total of £2500 was raised for The Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow. Sandy has now taken part in three Loch Ness marathons, and another in Toronto.