PERTHSHIRE MAN AND HIS DOG FINISH EPIC TREK ACROSS CANADA

After nine months, over 5000 miles, four pairs of worn-down boots and the adventure of a lifetime, kilted Dunkeld man Michael Yellowlees and his loyal canine companion crossed the finish line of their incredible coast-to-coast trek across Canada for charity on Sunday.

Michael (32) and his Alaskan husky Luna arrived through an icy breeze atop Cape Spear on the eastern edge of Newfoundland in the afternoon, raising £39,956 towards tree conservation.

The former Breadalbane Academy pupil started his incredible journey with Luna, a kilt, his guitar and a few other belongings in a handcart in British Columbia on the Pacific coast in March.

Along the way they have experienced adventures aplenty, encountering black bears and listened to the howling of wolves.

There was a big scare in July when Luna went missing in the Canadian wilderness, but was thankfully found safe and well seven days later.

Michael wore a kilt every day of the trip, including through snowstorms in the Rockies and the cold rain in Newfoundland.

The duo have made plenty friends and headlines on their incredible journey and were greeted at the finish line by a host of locals, media crews and Michael’s mum Karen even flew out to welcome him upon his arrival.

“I’m feeling pretty pumped, but I can’t believe that it’s done,” he said as he neared the finish line along the coast, where it was a brisk -2 C.

Four pairs of boots, countless numbers of socks and a kilt that’s falling apart is the toll Michael has had to endure, walking up to 30 miles a day.

“Once you’re moving and as long as your core is warm with enough layers, you stay warm enough,” he said.

“We’ve stuck with it. It’s been the kilt the whole way.”

The outstanding money raised by the pair will go towards charity Trees for Life, which protects the Scottish Highlands, in a bid to revitalise the Caledonian Forest.

“It’s [Scottish Highlands] quite a barren, sad-looking landscape,” he said.

“It shouldn’t look like that at all. It used to be forested from coast to coast.”

On travelling through Canada itself he said: “The further east I got, the more at home I was feeling.

“People were stopping their cars and I would get in, and they would speak Gaelic to me. There’s a shared heritage.”

As for his companion Luna, Michael said the former sled dog took the trip in her stride.

“They’re bred for distance”, he said.

“The mileage we covered every day is minimal for a dog like Luna. She’s been amazing.”

Reflecting on his trek, he added: “People have been absolutely amazing across Canada by coming out and showing their support and bringing food to the roadside.

“The hospitality and friendship I’ve been shown has been breathtaking.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated.”

Michael is now planning on spending the next two weeks relaxing in St John’s with Luna to recuperate.

Speaking about his achievement before finishing his journey, proud mum Karen said: “My gratitude goes out to the force that has held him and protected him these past nine months.

“I am filled with emotion for what Michael has done. He has raised money, but more than that, awareness for Trees for Life.

“What an adventure and what an achievement.”

Canadian prime minster Justin Trudeau declared: “My best wishes on the successful completion of your incredible walk across Canada, Michael!”