AN ULTRAMARATHON runner fought through torrential rain to cut a ceremonial ribbon at a Peeblesshire beauty spot.

George Sherriffs crossed the dramatic hollow Devil’s Beef Tub from Moffat during his 26-mile journey to Dawyck Botanic Garden.

The 63-year-old had run 273 miles in seven days, from a total of 356 miles in a bid to highlight the climate crisis, by the time he reached the attraction on Monday afternoon.

He was there to officially open a viewing platform overlooking Scrape Glen.

Sherriffs said he had been sustained by flapjacks, energy gels, grapes and giant cups of coffee during his epic run.

“I have no blisters and the only pain I have is from a big toe which I cut into when trimming my nails too closely,” he said.

“I have run marathons in London, Berlin and Poland plus a Brathay Trust 10 marathons in 10 days event, which gave me the confidence to tackle a multi-day run.”

He was at the platform opening by Raoul Curtis-Machin, the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh’s (RBGE) director of horticulture and visitor experience.

Mr Curtis-Machin kept his speech short, while guests attempted to keep dry under a gazebo, before handing Sherriffs, an RBGE acquisitions librarian, the ceremonial golden scissors.

“I am going to say a few words, and I promise it will be a few,” said Mr Curtis-Machin.

“Thank you all for coming and helping us celebrate this new deck and the fantastic achievement of George, who has put a phenomenal amount of effort into this for fundraising and the promotion.”

Sherriffs’ run has raised at least £2,400 for RGBE researchers to combat biodiversity loss in Scotland.