Stuart Reid ready for 23 Munro charity bid

FORMER Scotland back row Stuart Reid and Scottish soldier Andy Smith have taken on a mammoth walking challenge across 23 Scottish Munros in just over a day in the latest bid to raise funds for the Bill McLaren Foundation.

Termed "The Ramsay Round", the trek covers 63 miles and takes the walkers over 23 Munros and up a not inconsiderable ascent of 28,000ft in all. And Reid has set himself and Smith, supported at various stages by Reid's fellow former Boroughmuir forward Grant Wilson, the challenge of completing it in 30 hours.

"Why are we doing this?" said Reid, one sensed trying to convince himself. "Simple really: we are all former rugby players who love hill-walking and raising funds for such a wonderful charity as the Bill McLaren Foundation will make all the pain worthwhile.

"The amazing work that all those involved with the foundation do is fantastic and promoting rugby and its values to youngsters is something that we are happy to endorse."

The trek will take place on 24 and 25 August, leaving from the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel at 6am to start on Ben Nevis, and people can donate at: www.justgiving.com/Ramsayround.