AN Irvine squaddie-turned fitness guru is taking on what could be his biggest challenge yet.

Scott Brown is preparing to climb Ben Lomond no less than THREE times in 12 hours whilst carrying a 50lbs backpack.

The mountain - which is 974m or 3,196ft high and sits in the Loch of Balloch in the Highlands - is well known for it’s tough terrain and usually takes hikers around four or five hours to climb just once.

However, never one to shy away from a challenge, Scott says he wants to up the ante and make things as tricky as possible - all in the name of charity.

Big-hearted Scott will raise money for the Glasgow Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity (formerly Yorkhill Children’s Charity), a cause he says is close to his heart.

He told the Times: “Usually I ask people on my Facebook page if they have any suggestions who I can raise money for when I do these types of challenges but this time it was a very easy decision.

"The Glasgow Children’s Hospital have helped so many sick kids and in particular people I am close to have needed their services recently so it is something that I have seen first hand and is very close to home.”

Scott will be cheered on by his wife Kerri and some friends who will be at the foot of the summit offering him moral support.

He said: “Kerri will be there and a few of the boys I train with might do one run up each with me - minus the weight of course, but just to offer moral support.”

Scott has already raised almost £200 but is keen to smash his target of £800.

You can sponsor Scott by visiting his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scott-brown38 or get in touch with him through Facebook.