On July 23, Fraser Beattie, General Operative at Inverurie food firm Donald Russell, set off with his bike and tent on an epic journey around Scotland to raise money and awareness for Scottish Association for Mental Health.
The route will see him heading down the east coast, through Dundee, St Andrews, Edinburgh, and on to Berwick before cycling along the border with England. He will then head to Stranraer and on to Ayrshire and up towards Oban, continuing the journey to Ullapool and round to Thurso, Wick, and south to Inverness. He’ll then ride east along to Lossiemouth, Banff, Peterhead, and finally back to Aberdeen where the cycle will finish.
The entire trip is around 1,400 miles (approx. 2250 km) which Fraser expects to take 10 – 12 days. He’ll be carrying a tent and camping equipment and will be wild camping at every step of the journey. He has set up a Facebook and Instagram account to allow people to follow his journey and a JustGiving page for anyone who would like to donate.
Fraser says: “I’ve lived with mental health issues my whole adult life, so this is an issue very close to my heart. I find it hard at times to talk about how I feel but I know that I have to, and I really want to try and break down the stigma surrounding mental health, as well as the stigma for men who struggle in their own heads. I’m really excited at the prospect of cycling around the whole of Scotland on ma tod and being able to help make a difference!”
Ken Clow, Donald Russell CEO says: “we’re all really proud of Fraser for undertaking this massive trek for such a good cause. Mental health impacts all of us in one way or another and this is a great way for us to get involved in helping. I’m looking forward to following Fraser’s adventure online.”
Follow Fraser’s Le Tour de Fraz on Facebook and Instagram. To donate, click here.