A CHARITY champion from Dunfermline is counting down the days until he hikes an Italian volcano which erupted earlier this year.

You would think scaling Mount Etna's magnificence would be Jock McInnes MBE's biggest challenge of the trip.

It turns out that pleasing his grandkids with presents on his return is the real task he faces.

Jock, 60, has amassed more than 20 years' worth of charity work which includes completing the 5,642-metre hike up Mount Elbrus in Russia, Europe’s highest mountain, as well as embarking on a trek across the Gobi Desert in northern China.

The former Black Watch Solider has raised £3,500 for this year's hike which will be donated to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Family Support Trust (SCIO), a charity he spearheads.

He hopes to have some money spare to pick up 'better presents' for his grandkids this time around.

He said: "When I done my 70-mile trek in the Sahara, I came back with a fossilised fish.

"I was pretty pleased as when was the last time someone came home from the Sahara with something like that?

"They weren't impressed. They said I went all that way to just bring them back a rock!

"I tried to explain myself, but it was no use. They'll be getting a sack of black ash if they complain this time!"

Jock admits that when he leaves for this eight-day trip on August 26, he will do so knowing this might be his last charity expedition.

"This could well be my last. I reckon my family might get annoyed at me if I say I'm off to some other place halfway around the world.

"I've passed my initial target of £2,000 and the training has been going well, so I've no problems about going.

"It's an achievable goal and it'll be my first time in Italy as well. I'm very much committed to the cause."

He will of course complete the hike in his trademark kilt and carry with him a Saltire flag of great importance.

As a tribute to the ex-Black Watch servicemen and women who have passed away, Jock writes their names onto a Saltire flag which he carries with him on his travels. 

He added: "There’s hundreds of names on the flag. No-one is left behind. They all come with me."

Jock is still looking for donations and can be reached by email on: mcinnes1984@outlook.com.