A LOCAL man has completed a walk of the Arran coastline while carrying a 50kg whisky barrel on his back, raising over £15,000 for the Samaritans.

Davy Ballantyne, 59, aimed to complete the 70-mile challenge in 10 days but the physical strain of the trek meant that it took him a total of 16 days.

Nevertheless, the Arran man persevered through tiredness and minor injuries including tick and other insect bites to support the Samaritans through the COVID-19 crisis, raising an incredible amount of money in the process.

Davy said: “It took me 16 days but I had a week’s break inbetween because I was losing weight too quickly so I had to stop and build myself back up again. The trek was slow and painful and it took a lot out of me but it’s all done now.

“The mental side is harder than the physical side, it really drains you. I got no serious injuries even though there were dodgy bits, especially at the cliffs.

“The barrel becomes so unstable on your back when walking along bits with big drops to the side, so you have to really concentrate.

“There were times when I couldn’t actually walk with it on my back so I took it off. People think you get a break rolling or turning it but that’s more tiring.”

Davy has now completed three strenuous challenges for charity, having previously trekked Goat Fell and Ben Nevis.

Davy’s wife, Annelies, documented his progress through the ‘Big Davy’s Challenges’ Facebook page which has attracted interest from people all over the world.

Although this was Davy’s final challenge, he says he is glad to have finished on a high.

Davy said: “I said I’d do three so that’s it, I’ve did my bit. I raised so much more than I expected.

“People have been donating so much even during these difficult times. I got donations from all over the world, from America, Australia, Canada and Africa. It was good that we got a bigger audience than just island-wide so we could get more cash in.”

Annelies, Davy’s wife, said: “I think it’s absolutely

fantastic what he’s done but I can see the toll it takes on him.

“We’re so proud. He just doesn’t stop and his determination is amazing.”