Skye-born fund-raiser Lachie MacLeod and his extraordinary 1953 Ferguson tractor have reached the halfway stage of their epic fund-raising tour round 17 Hebridean islands.

Mr MacLeod, who has already been awarded the MBE for his charitable work, has reached North Uist and will be travelling from Berneray today (Friday, July 12, at 1040) to Leverburgh, before moving on from Tarbert to Uig on Saturday.

Lachie’s Odyssey with his faithful Fergie began on Monday 8th July when he left his home at Bowling and travelled to Ardrossan. He then crossed to Arran and has been island-hopping up and down the west coast with the support of Caledonian MacBrayne, raising money for his charity “Something for Romania” which hopes to build a hospice in Kluj-Napoca, the capital of Transylvania.

Mr MacLeod said: “I am visiting a total of 17 islands in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, via 21 ferry crossings, in the twelve days. I have received generous help from CalMac, Highland Fuels, De-Organ, Contraflow, Galt Transport, Up Front Displays. Procom and others. So far, everything has gone as planned and while the weather may not have been ideal for such a journey with no cab to protect me, I have enjoyed the challenge immensely.”

Mr MacLeod has been giving slide presentations on his charitable work en route.

(See www.sfr.org.uk ) In 1999, he took his 1953 Fergie from John O’Groats to Lands End, and in twelve days raised £13,429 for Something for Romania. He added: “Poverty is still endemic in Romania and it is hoped that this ‘charity drive’ will prove to be a worth while fund raising venture to help further the Cause of Christ and raise the profile of need in Romania.”

The island odyssey will end on Saturday, July 20 in Oban when Lachie MacLeod will make a presentation at the Free Church Hall around 7.30pm He is due to complete his island hopping by arriving in Oban at 1410 from Tiree on that date.