One of the team approaches home on the Kintail Compass Challenge

A Highland mountain rescue team travelled 1,930km (1,200 miles) in an effort to raise cash for a new headquarters.

The Kintail team headed north, south, east and west during its Compass Challenge, cycling on the four cardinal points to reach far-flung parts of Scotland from their base at Morvich.

The feat was accomplished in two hours less than four days, and members of the rescue team took it in turns to cover the mileage, sleeping only two hours a day.

They successfully reached Dunnet Head lighthouse, on the north coast; the lighthouse at the Point of Ardnamurchan in the West; the Mull of Galloway in the South, and Buchan Ness near Peterhead.

The cyclists set off from their base at 6pm on 21 May and arrived back at the headquarters at 4pm on 25 May.

Ritchie Simpson of the Kintail MRT said: “We surprised ourselves how well we were doing as we averaged 300 miles a day with around two hours sleep per day and sustaining only one puncture.

“Without doubt the great weather helped and with only a couple of short spells of rain and some moderate head winds up the south-west coast a good pace was kept up.

“The trip out and back to Point of Ardnamurchan was particularly memorable. Thanks to our sponsors and the encouragement and support given to us and a big thanks to the support team who did a great job.”

The challengers were greeted back to the Morvich base by a piper, champagne and cake.

Challengers stop off at the Commando monument near Spean Bridge during the event

The Kintail team is planning more events to raise money for the appeal.

Team leader Chris Nixon said: “The existing buildings are expensive to maintain and don’t provide the facilities needed to run an efficient front-line emergency service.

“KMRT is seeking to construct new team premises that will provide them with a facility that will ensure that those who require their assistance get a professional service.

“While the team receives some contributions from the police and Scottish Government towards its running costs, it still relies on public donations and fundraising activities to enable them to operate to the high standards expected.  Current funding levels are not enough to allow any capital investment to be considered, hence the need for this appeal.

“We are looking to attract donations from anyone who is willing to help, from individuals willing to donate a few pounds or run a fundraising event right through to large businesses willing to sponsor us or who can provide other sorts of help.”