AN ALLOA man has completed an epic solo sailing adventure round the UK, raising thousands for charity and inspiring many along the way.

At the age of 82, the town's Murdoch McGregor set off on the challenge earlier in June and was welcomed back to the harbour by several dozens of family, friends and supporters.

The intrepid explorer has been raising funds for Mental Health UK, a cause close to his heart and has raised netted nearly £8,000 online to date.

Another £1,000 was added to the total as Murdoch returned to Alloa on Sunday, August 22, when members of Alloa Round Table surprised him with a cheque.

Murdoch, who was embraced by his wife Janice as he stepped ashore, completed his circumnavigation of the UK in 10 weeks and told those gathered that he enjoyed it from start to finish.

It is believed to be a first such solo voyage for any Alloa sailor and Murdoch previously reminisced how he was inspired as a youngster when he used to watch ships coming in and out of the then busy harbour in town.

Decades later, he began sailing as a late developer at the age of 72 and completed the trip by coming ashore at the very spot he used to frequent as a youngster.

Speaking to the Advertiser after a well-earned rest, Murdoch explained that it was “absolutely wonderful” to see so many people out to welcome him home.

He said: “From a long way out I saw the folks and going back into where it all began for me as a youngster, it was just an unbelievable, joyous feeling.”

It was a busy 10 weeks with a tale from nearly every port of call but for Murdoch, some of the key moments included the “wonderful places of solitude” out at sea, complete with its natural wonder, picturesque sunsets and mist shrouded mornings.

“When I'm away I totally immerse myself in the romance of the sea, the power of the sea – everything that the sea is, it's one of the great elements that's been here for millions and millions of years”, Murdoch added.

The charity adventurer was backed by friends at Alloa Round Table throughout, indeed he goes a while back with the organisation, having been the voice of its flagship event Alloa Half Marathon for years.

John Dornan, chairman of Alloa Round Table, said: “The fact that he's 82 years old, he is from a little placed called Alloa, and he circumnavigated the UK – it should be an inspiration to a lot of people.

“I think what he's achieved is nothing short of amazing.

“He is an absolute gentleman; he is one of a kind; he is an absolute star. People in the local community love him and I think that shows today with the support he's got.”

Murdoch met many people along the way, but meeting a talented young sailor was one of the stand-out moments.

Katie McCabe, 14 from Devon, was also on a round the UK voyage the same time as Murdoch, except she was doing an anti-clockwise circuit.

She is believed to have become the youngest person to complete the feat, with her journey finishing just a day before Murdoch's.

The duo met at Oban and Murdoch said: “Just what an exciting sailing talent she is – that was the highlight of my trip.

“She sails way-way-way above her years; to avoid being held up for four days by a storm that was approaching, she actually did 170 miles non-stop, taking her 36 hours, and she completed that successfully.”

Murdoch also paid tribute to his small yacht Artemis and added: “She's a wee boat, but a big-big performer.

“I point her where I want to go and she takes me, safely, in conditions that are sometimes quite unbelievable for a small boat.”

Murdoch also issued a heart-felt thanks to everyone for support, contributions and for a warm welcome back to Alloa.

His fundraiser will remain live via justgiving.com/fundraising/murdoch-mcgregor1 for anyone keen to add to the total.

As for the next big adventure for Alloa's intrepid explorer, Murdoch mused: “The truth is, I always wanted a ride in the Grand National!”