Keepie-uppie king boosts Thurso walk
THERE was a "dram" good achievement on Sunday, July 17, as a strong turnout ensured Thurso’s 21st annual charity Comm Bar walk was a resounding success.
Making this year’s event extra special was guest star Scotland’s own Keepie Uppie King, Graeme Lightbody.
Commercial Bar owner Scott Youngson said the Renfrewshire man – famous for his record of achieving 61,100 nonstop keepie-uppies over a six-and-a-half-hour period – was at the Clair and Dodo McLean Memorial Cup seven-a-side football competition on Saturday.
However, while spending the night at the bar he heard about the charity walk and volunteered to join in – as long as he could practice his skills on the way round.
"He was fantastic, he did a sterling job," said Mr Youngson. "The whole way round he never dropped the ball once. He arrived back in the pub to rapturous applause. The punters took him into their hearts. It was amazing."
Around 60 walkers turned up for the seven-mile circuit of the town. That show of support and the good weather helped to make it another success, said the bar owner.
"It was fantastic. The weather wasn’t so good in the morning but then it heated up and it was just superb," he said.
"The locals support the Comm walk because it is so well established. That’s us in our 21st year now."
Mr Youngson explained how the money raised, which is still being counted, will be put to use.
"The purpose of the walk originally was to raise money for spina bifida sufferers for things like wheelchairs," he said.
"It is very much still for that with 60 to 70 per cent going towards the local spina bifida group, while the rest of the money is split up amongst other charities."
He added: "We try to keep the money local."
Mr Youngson said he was incredibly grateful "generous people" were still turning up to support the event.
He added: "It’s the customers that really pull it together for us."