A HIGH-FLYING Dunfermline businessman has returned from a charity challenge around the UK.

Robert Stalker, along with friend Tommy Lorimer, took to the skies last month to perform a coastal trip around Britain in their planes to raise money for Scotland's Air Ambulance charity.

After touching down in Northern Ireland, England and Wales, they finished the feat at Perth Airport where the air ambulance is based.

As well as the weather not being in their favour with rain, low clouds and fog all being encountered along the way, the pair also had to deal with extensive amounts of airspace being out of bounds because of military exercises taking place up and down the country.

"It was challenging but do-able," said Robert. "We had some interesting legs and some easier legs and tried to land at as many airfields as we could.

"It was 2,500 miles which, in flying terms, isn't so much really. It was a case of spreading the message about the air ambulance.

"It was not so much the money raised – we didn't raise a fortune – but the awareness as well. We got on the national news which certainly helps their profile.

"COVID has affected their fundraising in a big way and people aren't doing their sponsored things which gives them money. They don't get government money so the guys needed help."

Stop-offs included Ireland, Blackpool, Wales, the Isle of Man, with the journey then taking Robert and Tommy up the East coast.

The final stretch up to northern Scotland had to be delayed for several days because of bad weather but they were able eventually to fly over Loch Frisa and the Isle of Mull before returning to Perth where they were greeted by the air ambulance.

"We had good fun and raised some money and awareness for the air ambulance charity as well," added Robert.

More than £3,000 has been raised by the coastal challenge and anyone wanting to add to Robert and Tommy's total can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robert-stalker.