Tractor fanatic embarking on epic Hebridean trek
13 April 2024
A tractor lover is getting ready to hit the road with his vintage Fordson Super Dexta on a 370 mile trundle from Lewis to the Isle of Bute.
Robert Wilson is embarking on the long distance trek to raise cash for three deserving charities - the British Heart Foundation, Beatson Cancer Care, and Calum’s Cabin.
The haulage contractor from Houston near Paisley is more used to heavy weight agricultural vehicles which he delivers to farmers across country.
But he relishes the challenge of a southbound, slow speed, island-hopping adventure down the Western Isles chain and through Argyll.
On turning 60 a few months ago, Robert seized the opportunity to purchase the Dexta which spent her working life on the Isle of Bute, being sold there back in 1964 by his father, Andy.
He soon became enchanted with the idea of both man and machine to celebrate their sixth decade milestone together in style.
A tractor charity run in 2022 from Renfrewshire to Orkney and back proved to be a great experience. Not only was £25,000 raised for good causes but the outing whetted his appetite for a Hebridean tour.
His itinerary is planned around six CalMac ferry links over six days starting first thing next week.
The aim is to transport the tractor across the Minch on Monday morning on the MV Loch Seaforth from Ullapool.
Stornoway is the official starting point for the inter-island tour.
Unfortunately, the forecast of windy, showery weather may mean an uncomfortable, damp drive at a top speed of 18mph to Tarbert in the open air tractor without a cab.
Tuesday sees a scenic journey past Harris beaches to Leverburgh for the ferry to Berneray and onward to Lochmaddy.
A long run to Southend, South Uist, beckons the next day followed by a trip to Barra on Thursday.
Robert intends to be up early on Friday morning for MV Isle of Lewis’ sailing to Oban to reach Tarbert, Loch Fyne later that day.
Saturday is organised for a ferry crossing to Portavadie with a drive round the Kyles of Bute coastline for the small Colintravie ferry to Bute.
Welcoming him at the slipway will be the Bute Vintage Tractor Club for a convoy along the last leg of the journey to the town of Rothesay.
Over £7,800 has been raised so far. Donations can be made at www.givewheel.com/fundraising.
