A PERTHSHIRE man is walking around 5000 miles across Canada in an effort to raise funds to rewild the Scottish Highlands.
Michael Yellowlees, from Dunkeld, and his Alaskan husky Luna, are walking from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the east coast of Newfoundland to raise money for Highlands-based Trees For Life.
Musician Yellowlees, 32, had the idea for the epic trek three years ago while walking through the Highlands – and was finally able to set off in March of this year after spending time working in Vancouver looking after sled dogs.
Recalling why he decided to go on the adventure, Yellowlees said: “[The Highlands] is a beautiful landscape but with a strong sense of sadness because of the absence of woodland, wildlife and people.
“So I decided then to walk across the great wildernesses of Canada to raise funds for Trees for Life and its work to restore Scotland’s Caledonian Forest, at a time when the world is on high alert over climate chaos and biodiversity loss.”
READ MORE: Affric Highlands set to rewild half a million acres of Scottish land
Yellowlees’s journey has been full of ups and downs so far, as he travels from coast to coast in his kilt, with just Luna, his guitar and a few belongings to accompany him.
The 32-year-old has encountered black bears and wolves, and at one point was separated from his beloved dog in Northern Ontario.
“I was totally distraught. For months, we had been best friends and had looked after one another,” he explained.
“After seven days and seven nights, just as I was giving up all hope, Luna appeared like an apparition, strolling casually back as though nothing had happened – although she had lost some weight.”
Yellowlees thanked the Canadian public for their hospitality during his journey. “The warmth of the people has been amazing,” he said. “In every town and village people have offered me food, shelter and donations. So much kindness. I’ve been accompanied into towns and cities by marching pipe bands and interviewed by newspapers, radio and TV.”
The chief executive of rewilding charity Trees for Life has welcomed Yellowlees’s hike with “awe and admiration”.
READ MORE: This is how Scotland can become the first Rewilding Nation
“Restoring native habitats and wildlife to the Scottish Highlands is a big task that no one can do alone. But Michael’s extraordinary trek is proof of the power of the individual to make a difference,” he said.
Yellowlees is currently in Quebec after trekking through British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. He expects to arrive at this final destination of Cape Spear by early November.
To support Yellowlees’s journey with Luna, and help Trees for Life in their rewilding ambitions, visit their justgiving page.
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