Weatherman Batty’s anti-poverty challenge coming to Northern Isles

STV weatherman Sean Batty is taking up a cycling challenge in the Northern Isles to raise money for children and young people in Scotland affected by poverty.

The 150-mile route will see Sean cycle across Shetland and Orkney meeting local people, schools and community groups who are raising funds for the STV Appeal 2013.

Sean’s challenge will take him across Shetland on Sunday 28th July starting in Unst, cycling from Burrafirth to Belmont, through Yell and from Toft to Sumburgh Airport. The next day will be spent fundraising in Shetland before travelling to Orkney.

On Tuesday, 30th July, Sean will cycle an 80-mile route round the west of mainland Orkney, meeting fundraisers along the way, back to Kirkwall and then south to Burwick.

The cycle ride will be filmed for an STV Appeal programme later this year.

Sean said: “Over the past two years of the STV Appeal I’ve clocked up around 180 miles for the charity and this year I am aiming to do around 200 miles in just a few days. These challenges have been made so much easier by the knowledge that there are so many generous people out there that are willing to contribute towards this great charity.

“The first year of the appeal I cycled the length of the Western Isles which I found extremely difficult as it had been years since I had been on a bike.

“I’ve never been to Shetland and Orkney and I’m also really looking forward to seeing the Northern Isles and meeting lots of people who are fundraising along the way.

“It has been great being part of the team that delivers the cheques to community projects across the country and seeing where the money goes. I know that the money raised for the appeal makes such a big difference to so many young people and the best bit is all the money raised stays in Scotland to help our own young people.”