Farmer to drive tractor along Scottish coastline for late wife

RETIRED farmer David McLaren, 78, will tour the 1,600-mile Scottish coast in a classic 1960 tractor.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st May 2016, 11:38 BST
Updated 31st May 2016, 12:42 BST

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A 1960 Fordson Dexta tractor similar to the one David McLaren will drive round the Scottish coastline. Picture: WikimediaA 1960 Fordson Dexta tractor similar to the one David McLaren will drive round the Scottish coastline. Picture: Wikimedia
A 1960 Fordson Dexta tractor similar to the one David McLaren will drive round the Scottish coastline. Picture: Wikimedia

He’s already driven it from John o’ Groats to Land’s End with his late wife Elizabeth to raise £14,000 for charity.

Mr McLaren, from Blackford, Perthshire will travel in a 1960 Fordson Dexta in July and will spend three weeks exploring the country’s shoreline.

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He plans to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Friends of St Margaret’s Hospital in Auchterarder in memory of his late wife Elizabeth, who died of cancer in 2014.

The couple had previously completed a run from John o’ Groats to Land’s End in the same classic machine, raising over £14,000.

Mr McLaren said: “Four months after the last trip in 2003 we discovered Elizabeth had kidney cancer.

“After a long battle against the disease she sadly passed away in January 2014.

“The last run was a fantastic experience and we made a lot of friends. I’ve been planning this run for about five years and I had always hoped that Elizabeth would be well enough to do it with me.

“That’s not possible but I want to do it before I get any older.

“I will be using A and B class roads while sticking as close to the coast as possible – I won’t be using a bridge to cross the Forth, I’ll go via Stirling.”

Dorothy Rodger, Cancer Research UK’s fundraising manager for Perthshire, said: “We are absolutely delighted that David has decided to attempt such a great challenge to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

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“I worked with him and Elizabeth 13 years ago when they raised so much for us and it is incredibly sad that this run is now in her memory.

“I know David is determined to raise as much as possible this time around for both charities and I hope everyone will be inspired by his dedication and support him as much as they are able.”

David will set off on his run from the South Inch, Perth, on July 2. During his run he will be towing a restored trailer and is offering local companies the chance to have advertising space on it.

To donate to Mr McLaren’s charity fund, transfer funds to Bank of Scotland 80-22-60, account number 14359061.

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Related topics:Cancer Research UK