Tom Weir's widow Rhona looks at model of the statue
Outdoor enthusiasts will gather at a lochside site to honour the memory of a Scottish walking and climbing legend.
A statue of the late Tom Weir will be unveiled at Balmaha Bay on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond after Christmas.
A musical tribute to the climber, outdoorsman and campaigner is also planned, with writers and broadcasters including Cameron McNeish and Jimmie MacGregor, musician Alistair MacDonald and sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn expected to join the event.
The placing of the statue follows a public campaign to raise funds for the project.
A spokesperson for the Tom Weir Memorial Group said: “Tom made a major contribution to introducing generations to Scotland’s great outdoors through his adventures as a climber, writer, broadcaster, naturalist and a pioneering campaigner for the protection of the Scottish environment.
“All lovers of the great outdoors are invited to attend this special celebration at Balmaha Bay, and afterwards at The Oak Tree Inn.
“Attendance is free, and samples of Tom’s favourite brew and snack will be available.
“Those attending are encouraged to wear Tom’s iconic toorie hats, and they will be available for sale on the day. Sensible outdoor wear is recommended.”
The celebration will take place at noon on Monday, 29 December. Organisers said normal public bus services will be available with connections between Balmaha and Balloch, and train services will run regularly to Balloch from Glasgow.
The statue of Tom Weir will be placed overlooking Loch Lomond at Balmaha
Balmaha lies on the route of Scotland’s most popular long-distance trail, the West Highland Way.
Mr Weir died at the age of 91 in 2006. He was born in the Springburn area of Glasgow and began exploring the Campsie Fells as a youth. He joined mountaineering expeditions to the Himalaya, Syria, Iran, Kurdistan and Greenland.
He achieved fame through his Weir’s Way series on STV, in which he explored the Scottish countryside. He also wrote regularly on outdoor subjects.
Mr Weir was the recipient of many awards including the Lifetime Achievement Eagle Award from the British Outdoor Guild of Travel Writers. He was also the first recipient of the John Muir Award for Lifetime Achievement.
He was an active campaigner for the protection of the Scottish environment and in particular his beloved Loch Lomond where he became a founding member and honorary vice-president of the Friends of Loch Lomond when the independent conservation body was formed in 1978.
The Tom Weir Memorial Group was formed in February 2012 by individuals from different walks of life who were keen to mark Tom’s great contribution to enriching the lives of several generations of Scots by introducing them to the Scotland’s great outdoors.
