Taps Aff: Meet the Edinburgh man who goes on walks topless to deal with lockdown stress

An Scottish man who stuns walkers by going out for strolls topless wearing hiking boots and a woolly hat says exposure to the cold is the best way to cope with stress during the pandemic.

John Carstairs, 55, who frequently walks in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh in his shorts. Relishing the cold and praising the health benefits it can bring (Photo: SWNS).

Edinburgh-born John Carstairs, 55, lived in Germany for nearly two decades and became accustomed to nudity in spas as well as growing an appreciation for the health benefits of cold water.

However, Dad-of-four John who returned to Edinburgh after 15 years abroad in December, began to turn heads during his walks often on the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh dressed in only boots, a wooly hat, gloves, and a pair of shorts.

The fitness instructor trained in the Wim Hof Method – which promotes being 'happy, healthy and strong' – uses cold exposure and breath work as being central to achieving those aims.

Fitness instructor John trained in the Wim Hof Method, which promotes being 'happy, healthy and strong', and uses cold exposure and breath work as being central to achieving those aims (Photo: SWNS).

The brazen rambler goes for 10 mile walks – sometimes once a week or a couple of times a month – which he says has helped battle 'chronic stress' during the pandemic.

John said: "I lived in Germany for 15 years, we used to cut holes in the ice and do ice bathing and cold water therapy.

"The benefits are increased energy and immune system boost, and better sleep.

"If you have been to a spa in Germany most people are naked anyway, you are more connected to the body and not shy about it - whereas we have this attitude that it is used for sex.

Dad-of-four John returned to Edinburgh after 15 years abroad and turns heads when he goes for walks dressed in boots, a wooly hat and gloves, and a pair of shorts (Photo: SWNS).

"It is just the way it is, they are more open and relaxed.

"We are so inundated by covid on TV that we are in fear which leads to chronic stress.

"Normal stress is OK but it becomes chronic stress, which weakens the immune system and leaves you open to catching something.

"Going outside and being in nature helps as you need sunlight for Vitamin D - there the mind goes quiet and you are left in peace with focus on your own self.

John in his element on the Pentland Hills (Photo: SWNS).

"You are focused on your breath, your stress has gone and let go of fear.

"It increases happiness, you are controlling your nervous system through breath."

After five years of practising the technique, in which he is a trained practitioner, John says he has 'more resilience' against stress.

He added: "When people say 'he's crazy, he's off his head', it is fear.

"We were hunter-gatherers, we were resilient and strong.

"It is helping with blood flow and stretches the muscles within vessels.

"It is helping push blood around the system so the heart works less.

"You can increase red and white blood cells.

"It is all about being the commander of your own ship.

"People are living in fear and worrying, and it is not helping their health - it is deteriorating it."

However, he warned: "It is very powerful, we don't want anyone freezing to death or having a heart attack.

"I would never let my body get hypothermic.

"My backpack always has got all my clothes in it and a foil blanket just in case.

"Usually I would have a flask of warm tea.

"It is about being in touch with your body and mind, showing yourself the wonders of your body and how powerful it is.

"It is all about increasing your potential."

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