AMERICAN clergyman the Rev David Prentice-Hyers endured the remnants of Hurricane Gert from across the Atlantic on his walk across the West Highland Way.

The Troon Old Parish Church minister was hit by some strong winds and heavy rain but shrugged it all off in his mission to raise money for church funds.

He recently returned from the 96-mile odyssey. It took him seven days to tackle the route, and there were ups and downs.

He said: “We got Hurricane Gert from America near the end of the trip on the 20-mile stretch from Tyndrum to Kingshouse. That was more like swimming than walking.

"There was driving wind and heavy rain. It rained all the time apart from the second and last days. Even in the rain Scotland is second to none.

"The views were just phenomenal. It was tiring but I had company. Church members met me for the first day and also later in the trip. I also met people from all over the world on the walk, including Scots, French and Germans.

"I met a couple from Stranraer who were celebrating their 50th anniversary at the same  hotel they had been married in. The cabbie who ran me to Fort William station was from Troon.”

He admitted to flagging, adding: “There was one day I was trying to keep up with a much younger walker and was limping the next day but I was fine.”

David has raised £2500.

He says: “I had hoped for £2000 and people have been generous. Thanks to everyone for their support. The money will be used to help repair the church steeple. In all £30,000 has been raised.

"It’s part of the Troon Old at 200 campaign which celebrates the church’s bicentenary in 1823 and by the end of it we will have a new roof, and interior upgrade work will be done on the stones and the windows.”