Scots climber defies disability

Kevin Shields has overcome a disability and epilepsy to climb

A one-handed climber from Ayrshire is training to take on one of Scotland's hardest routes.

Kevin Shields hopes to make a winter ascent of "The Hurting", a treacherous route located on Coire an t-Sneachda in the Cairngorms.

Despite being born with a partial left hand, and suffering from epilepsy, the 29-year-old is now an established figure on the Scottish climbing scene.

He entered the Ice Climbing World Cup in 2007 and was ranked 52nd in world.

Among Kevin's favourite climbs are his solo of "Fast & Furious" - a huge slate cave in Birnam Quarry, an ascent of a frozen waterfall in Italy and scaling the White Cliffs of Dover.

He said: "I have to be feeling fit and strong for the route I am training to attempt next winter.

"I will have to plumb the depths of my mind to find the necessary mental strength, cutting away from all outside issues like work and loved ones to avoid distraction.

"This puts me in the right, but rather dark frame of mind I need."