Man who set endurance records after kicking bad habits wins award

A man who turned his back on an unhealthy lifestyle before going on to set records for endurance events is the first winner of a Fort William Mountain Festival award.

Fish farm technician Pawel Cymbalista smoked 20 cigarettes a day for seven years, and said he was overweight and drinking too much.

He decided to kick his bad habits about 10 years ago and since then has set record times for completing the Cape Wrath Trail and West Highland Way - and for going up and down Ben Nevis seven times in 24 hours.

Mallaig-based Cymbalista will receive the festival's new emerging excellence in mountain culture award at a ceremony next week.

The festival's organisers said the prize was in recognition of his "epic personal running achievements" and the support he provided to other runners.

The event's long-running Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture will be awarded to Glasgow climber Willie Gorman.

Organisers said Gorman had an impressive 60-year career in climbing and outdoor instruction.