Bike pilgrims make pitstop in town

International aid charity SCIAF is undertaking the 700 mile tour to mark its 50th anniversary, and met pupils at St Andrew’s Primary and St Joseph’s College.
Charity director Alistair Dutton said: “In our 50th anniversary year we want to go the extra mile to thank our great supporters in Dumfries, especially the pupils and teachers at St Andrew’s Primary and St Joseph’s College, for the millions of lives they’ve helped to change over the last five decades.
“Thanks to them, many people in some of the poorest countries in the world have got the seeds and farm tools they need to grow food, money to set up small businesses to help feed their families, and aid like medicine and clean water after natural disasters and emergencies.”
The pilgrimage started in Thurso on April 29 and will finish in Iona on Saturday May 30.
Alistair and a small group of volunteers and staff will cycle for several hours each day before visiting schools and parishes and speaking at special events including a travelling exhibition of SCIAF’s history.
They will continue with their daily work throughout the pilgrimage.
In addition to thanking people for their support, collecting donations to the WEE BOX appeal and sharing the stories of people whose lives have been changed for the better, Alistair and a small team of volunteers and staff will be highlighting how climate change is already hurting people in poor countries.
The charity hopes that the focus on cycling will inspire more people to leave their cars at home for short journeys, and walk or cycle, to help reduce carbon emissions.