A FATHER and son duo from Dollar were treated to stunning vistas when they scaled Africa's highest point for charity this month.

Dad Colin Murchison and son Jack, S6 pupil at Alva Academy, trekked up Mount Kilimanjaro in a bid to net funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

With money still coming in, they have raised more than £7,600 which will add to this year's running total for the good cause at Jack's school.

Colin, who reached the summit with son Jack on October 16, told the Advertiser: "As a trek it wasn't too physically taxing but it was still a challenge.

"Especially the summit – you have to climb it overnight in the darkness and you are up at the highest elevation level so it's more a mental challenge rather than a physical one.

"It was just an amazing experience and the guides help you along the way, give you advice and make you walk at the right place."

The top of Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano in Tanzania, stands nearly 5,900 metres above sea level.

Describing the view following the final climb in the darkness, Colin said: "Amazing, beautiful, stunning.

"First of all you get to the crater rim and you can see the sun rise over Africa above the clouds.

"Then you walk another hour, hour-and-a-half, to reach the summit itself, climb over ice, pinnacles and a rocky track and you eventually reach the summit.

"You can just look around in 360 degrees and see glaciers, rocks, a volcano, craters and just stunning colours – it's just an amazing place.

"To reach the top is a challenge, but it's an achievable challenge for a lot of people."

Supporting the duo along the eight-day trek were guides and porters from the area with Colin giving praise to the helpers.

It is understood the running total at Alva Academy in the annual Macmillan fundraiser stands at more than £30,000 so far with activities ongoing.

Colin added: "It's been a good effort for Macmillan, we've reached our target, then some, and the school has been doing really well."

The trek was a great bonding opportunity for the father and son duo who enjoyed sharing food and company with their guides, porters and various people along the way.

The journey took them through various sceneries and environments, from rainforests to glaciers, with a full view of the Milky Way visible at night.

Colin said: "Just so many memories for us both."