Walkers can join the event to make the ascent of Ben Lomond by night

Hillwalkers are being invited to dig out their torches and pull on their boots for a fundraiser on Scotland’s most southerly munro.

The Ben Lomond Torchlight Challenge will bring light relief for the National Trust for Scotland and Lomond Mountain Rescue Team.

The September event will involve an evening ascent of the 974m (3,196ft) mountain, culminating in the creation of a torchlight beacon on the summit.

Fit hillwalkers are being invited to join the event, which will raise cash for the two charities, with 60 per cent going to the NTS and 40 per cent to the mountain rescue team that covers the area. Entry costs £10 and participants will be expected to raise £40 in sponsorship.

Money raised will help the trust maintain footpaths on the mountain, and the running costs of the volunteer rescue team.

The trust’s Ben Lomond property manager Alasdair Eckersall said: “Ben Lomond welcomes over 30,000 walkers every year and maintaining the footpaths is an expensive job, but is essential to protect the important natural heritage of this special place.

“This unique event is a special and challenging opportunity for keen walkers and will also help to raise essential funds for a good cause.

“As we will also support the superb work of the Lomond Mountain Rescue Team volunteers, we want to urge people to join us on 17 September for a great event.”

The walk will start at 4pm and end about midnight. Hillwalkers will a good degree of fitness can sign up by email to take part or call 0141 616 2266.

More details are on the National Trust for Scotland website.