Hebridean cyclist is fastest female in 1,000-mile Trans Alba Race

A Hebridean cyclist has finished as the fastest female in this year's Trans Alba Race.

Christina MacKenzie, from Lewis, set a new time of four days, 10 hours and 52 minutes - a day faster than last year's time.

The gruelling Scottish cycling event covered more than 1,000 miles, involved four ferry trips and a total of 66,000ft of climbing.

The 49-year-old, who finished sixth overall, said: "I'm tired and sore, but delighted."

The event started in Edinburgh and finished in South Queensferry.

It was a hugely important achievement for the endurance cyclist, who won a hip flask filled with Irn-Bru.

In 2021, she took the record time for cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats.

But the following year she broke her pelvis in two places after being hit by a vehicle towing a high-sided agricultural trailer.

She had a stroke two years ago.

MacKenzie refused give up her passion for cycling and is already eyeing up a new challenge, ahead of her 50th birthday next year.