Dollar Academy to host stop on Doddie's Grand Tour

The event, known as Doddie’s Grand Tour, is a fundraising initiative for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The cyclists will make an overnight stop in the town on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

The tour is the brainchild of former Scotland captain and Lion, Rob Wainwright, who takes part in the cycling fundraiser every year.

The tour follows on from the success of the "All Roads Lead to Rome" ride in 2024Rob Wrainwright, former Scotland captain, on the 2024 'All Roads Lead to Rome' (Image: My Name Doddie'5 Foundation) The aim is to complete the 700-mile route in four days, finishing in Edinburgh in time to deliver the match ball for the Scotland vs Ireland Six Nations fixture on Sunday, February 9.

The night stop in Dollar will be hosted by Dollar Academy, with food provided free of charge by the school’s caterer, Thomas Franks.

Volunteers from various community organisations, including Hillfoots Rugby Club and Dollar Accies Rugby Club, will be on hand to assist the riders.

Ian Munro, Dollar Academy's rector said: "Dollar Academy is proud to be playing a part in supporting a cause which has galvanised people across Scotland and beyond to raise money and help to find a cure for this horrible disease.

"The foundation holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the rugby community, and we look forward to welcoming back many of our former players and internationalists as part of this wonderful event."

Scott Stewart, with his wife, Robyn, and baby girl, Rae (Image: My Name Doddie'5 Foundation) The visit has a poignant undertone due to the recent death of Scott Stewart, a former Dollar Academy pupil, who lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease on December 22, 2024.

He leaves behind his wife, Robyn, and baby girl, Rae.

The stop in Dollar is also intended to inspire local community organisations to conduct their fundraising efforts ahead of the riders’ arrival.

The Wee County Scout Group, for instance, plans to raise funds during its Burns Night event later this month.

In addition to hosting the riders, Dollar will also have its own team participating in the Grand Tour.

The Dollar Accies and Friends group, which includes former Scotland captain Rory Lawson, will begin their fundraising efforts with a static bike race in front of the Dollar Academy sports pavilion on the morning of Saturday, January 11.

Former Scotland captain Rob Wainwright said: "I was delighted to hear that the community of Dollar was keen to host an overnight stop on Doddie’s Grand Tour.

"It’ll be interesting to see whether they can top the hospitality of my old school, Glenalmond."