BBC presenter in rowing challenge

Niall Iain Macdonald will make his attempt on 14 July

A BBC radio presenter is to attempt to row across a stretch of sea separating the Western Isles from the mainland.

Niall Iain Macdonald, 34, hopes to make the 43-mile crossing of the Minch in 30 hours in his boat, CrazyBrave.

His effort next month will raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and Western Isles Association For Mental Health.

Mr Macdonald, who works at BBC Radio nan Gaidheal, also hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Safety yacht

He said: "It's something that I have been thinking about doing for quite a while but I always managed to find excuses not to - too risky, too far, too hard, too much hassle.

"Now, I realise that life is too short and that the only thing stopping me from doing it is myself."

A safety yacht will shadow him during his time at sea but will only assist in an emergency.