THE inspiring story of a doctor who marked his retirement by tackling an 87-mile run across Scotland’s stunning countryside has been made in to a new film.

And it is being premiered in the Borders this week.

Former GP Alan Matthews took on the four-day fitness challenge from Inverness to Skye with his sons Gregor and Cameron in the summer of 2018 for Cancer Research UK and the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

The challenge, which raised £10,392 for the charities, was developed into Run Across Scotland - a 13-minute film made by Rich Watson of Flux Video.

The film highlights the highs and lows of the challenge which started at the Kessock Bridge near Inverness and took on the iconic Great Glen Way by Loch Ness and remote Glen Affric before heading past Eilean Donan Castle and finishing over the Skye Bridge.

Now the film is being premiered at the Peebles Outdoor Film Festival on Friday at the Eastgate Theatre, Peebles at 7pm.

Dr Matthews, 59, told us: “I’m looking forward to seeing the film on the big screen for the first time as it’s packed full of special memories.

“We’re so lucky to live in Scotland and I hope this film will inspire others to make the most of the outdoors.

"After 36 years as a doctor I’d seen the many real challenges faced by patients and families affected by cancer and mental health illness.

“The facts are striking.

"One in two born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime and one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem.

"The Run Across Scotland challenge was only for four days but many people with cancer or mental illness face challenges every day of their lives. We wanted to acknowledge that and do something that could help.”

Run Across Scotland will be screened on Friday as part of the The Sea Around Me - a series of short films that celebrate wild places on our doorstep.

And they will be followed by a talk by diving and natural history broadcaster Miranda Krestovnikoff.

Tickets for the event, which cost £15, are available from the Eastgate box office.