Three handy tractor enthusiasts are in the middle of taking on the mammoth task of travelling along the North Coast 500 trail, but with a difference.

David Shaw, Euan Weir and Lex Craig are doing the trail solely on their vintage tractors.

The trio had been keen to take on some sort of wacky challenge like this for a while.

Cumnock Chronicle: Lex Craig on his Massey Ferguson 135 Multi-PowerLex Craig on his Massey Ferguson 135 Multi-Power

However, when their dear friend Muir Nisbet passed away at the end of May this year, they stepped up their enthusiasm for the challenge, and have decided to raise funds for Diabetes UK, something that their great friend battled with every day.

Setting off on their last Wednesday, July 27, the team are aiming to complete the full run in around 10 days.

David’s fiancé, Lynne MacMillan, both from Sorn, has been keeping interested parties up-to-date with the whereabouts of the men.

Cumnock Chronicle: David Shaw of Sorn on his Ford 5000 and pulling the sponsored trailer with all supplies and spares/dieselDavid Shaw of Sorn on his Ford 5000 and pulling the sponsored trailer with all supplies and spares/diesel

It’s been a breath of fresh air so far for the team, according to Lynne.

“They’ve been having a great time by the sounds of it.

“David had been wanting to do it from just before lockdown happened and they’d said they were going to do it and Muir would do some of it with them.

“Then lockdown happened, and they bit the bullet this time and unfortunately with Muir passing away, they thought they would do it for diabetes.”

Those that the guys have met along the way have only been too happy to show their support by donating to the cause, over words of advice, or even cooking them a slap-up meal.

Cumnock Chronicle: Euan Weir of Eaglesham on his Roadlesss Ploughmaster 75 with the caravanEuan Weir of Eaglesham on his Roadlesss Ploughmaster 75 with the caravan

Lynne added: “He said it’s been the best time of his life. The three of them are right into their vintage tractors, so it’s been the perfect challenge for them.

“They thought they might get a few angry motorists along the way, but every single person they’ve met so far has donated to the cause or given them a friendly wave and every single place they’ve stayed they’ve had a field to stay in.

“One woman actually gave them their dinner and their breakfast.

“You don’t realise how kind folk can be until you end up doing something like that.”

The team, and Lynne, can’t believe the support they’ve had on social media, and with donation, having smashed through their original target.

“The amount of shares and stuff like that on Facebook has been incredible.

“The total just now is sitting at £3,450. The guy were hoping at the start to raise maybe £1,000 or £1,500 so they’ve smashed through that.

“They’ve had unbelievable support from some sponsors as well. David has been showing his support for them with the trailer as well.”

You can support them by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nc500tractortrio