NC500 spin in Reliant Robin under way for Strictly Inverness dancer
If you're on the North Coast 500 this Easter you might catch a glimpse of Strictly Inverness superstar fundraiser Angela Urquhart.
The 37-year-old, from the Black Isle, has captured imaginations with her plan to travel the popular route in a Reliant Robin
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She has covered the small three-wheeled vehicle in the names of 32 businesses that have sponsored her – an initiative that has helped her generate more than £14,500 as part of the annual charity dance contest.
Angela is among 32 people learning to dance while also fundraising for event organisers and hosts Highland Hospice and Inverness Ice Centre.
She left the hospice headquarters car park in Inverness at about 7.45am, stopping off in Achnasheen for breakfast.
“It’s lovely weather and we’re making good time,” she said. “We've ended up with a small convoy. A classic Jaguar XK8 and Triumph Dolomite.”
They are planning to stay in Durness overnight before completing the journey tomorrow.
A principal housing officer with the homeless team at the Highland Council, Angela said: "I've just always fancied doing Strictly.
"One of my best friends is a nurse at the hospice and I've had family and friends who have had loved ones who relied on the hospice in their final days. It's such an essential part of our community and deserves so much recognition and support.
"My cousin Carrie MacDonald, who works in fundraising for the hospice and is one of the Strictly organisers, was also a bit of an inspiration for my taking part. She competed in 2014 and I supported her journey. My auntie Liz, Carrie's mum, then participated as well."
Partnered with Ryan Bell, from Inverness, they are learning a foxtrot and a lyrical number, as well as a team dance with seven other couples who are performing on the Friday evening of the contest in May.