Veteran Russian's pedal power

Georgy Goncharov has clocked up 145,000km

An elderly Russian cyclist who has already pedalled 145,000km around the world has taken to Scotland's roads as part of his latest trip.

Muscovite Professor Georgy Goncharov, 73, said he decided to include Scotland because of its historic links with Russia.

The professor of Turkish studies started the latest leg of his world tour by cycling from London to Edinburgh in five days.

He will travel through Aberdeen, Fort William, Mull and Glasgow on the same bicycle he has had since 1953 and expects to do 200km a day.

The highlight of his trip will be his visit to Aberdeen where he will mark the 450th anniversary of the first trade voyage from Britain to Russia in 1553.

Stopping point

Mr Goncharov has already warmed up for the Scottish leg of his trip by cycling from London to Edinburgh in just five days.

The starting point for the Scottish tour is the Russian Consulate in Edinburgh and he will then travel to Dundee, which will be the first stopping point.

Prof Goncharov has been cycling around the world since he was diagnosed with a heart condition at the age of 25.

He must complete the journey around Scotland and a planned tour of Ireland before 6 August, because he has booked a flight back to Russia from London.