Blind man and dog on charity trek

Scott Cunningham, with Travis, hopes to raise more than £10,000

One blind man and his guide dog are setting out on an eight day charity trek over the 112 miles of the Southern Upland Way in the Borders.

Scott Cunningham, 35, from Larkhall, and dog Travis, four, will raise money for Guide Dogs on their third trek.

He said: "This is without a doubt our biggest challenge yet, encountering varied tough terrain."

The journey was expected to start in Bargrennan on Friday at about 1400 BST and end eight days later in Lauder.

Mr Cunnigham said: "We've been putting in lots of practice walking long distance training stretches and various Munros around Scotland.

"I'm aiming to raise money and awareness for Guide Dogs who have helped me so much since losing my eyesight in 1993.

Past treks

"I am also hoping to motivate and inspire other blind people to undertake challenges, no matter how big or small."

The first two "Travis Treks" on the West Highland Way and the Speyside Way raised almost £25,000 for Guide Dogs.

Sharon Morgan, from Guide Dogs, added: "It is wonderful that Scott and Travis are taking on this challenge to help raise funds for training new guide dogs.

"It costs £10 a day to breed, train and support each guide dog and there are around 4,700 guide dog partnerships in the UK."