Alistair Dutton

A charity chief has finally completed a gruelling 1,000-mile cycle pilgrimage around Scotland to thank supporters in the charity’s 50th anniversary year.

Alistair Dutton, director of the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), visited eight diocese, 24 parishes, 15 schools and took 24 days to complete the challenge.

Marking SCIAF’s 50th anniversary, the charity wanted to go the extra mile to thank supporters for changing the lives of millions of people for the better over the last five decades.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant to get out and meet so many of our supporters in parishes and schools around the country – from Thurso to Dumfries and Aberdeen to Iona,” said Dutton.

“Every stop along the way I’ve been humbled by people’s incredible generosity and touched by their obvious love for SCIAF.

Every stop along the way I’ve been humbled by people’s incredible generosity

“It’s all been about thanking people who have been part of SCIAF throughout our 50 years for improving the lives of millions of people by their generosity, prayers and deeds.

“I’m extremely grateful to everyone who took part, supported us, and helped us with food and places to stay. While I need to rest my legs, I’ll take memories from the trip and the people I met with me for the rest of my life.”

Dutton and the team continued with their daily work throughout the pilgrimage, answering emails and making calls each day.

Free accommodation was provided thanks to priests and supporters along the route and cycling equipment was kindly donated by the Bike Station shop in Glasgow and Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative.