Published: Thursday, 8th January, 2009 3:17pm

Arctic training, Scottish-style!

AN IT consultant from Dunbar has switched off his central heating over winter to help acclimatize to conditions in the Arctic Circle!

Jonathan Stevens, 34, will brave temperatures as low as -30°C when his Huskey-powered Arctic expedition sets off next Monday.

The former Dunbar Grammar School pupil will have to marshal six Huskies and a sled throughout his 200-kilometre Norwegian trek that could take six days to complete.

And aside from the inevitable rigours of fitness training, he has even transformed his home near Bath into a would-be ice house to condition himself to the freezing temperatures.

'I have turned off the heating and am wearing more jumpers around the house to get myself used to the cold,' said the intrepid adventurer.

'It doesn"t quite mimic the temperatures in the Arctic Circle, but it"s a start!'

A chance conversation with a work colleague inspired Jonathan to undertake the momentous challenge which has been organised through an adventure experience company.

'I thought "what a brilliant thing to do in your spare time,"' he said. 'I could do something that many people would not normally get the chance to do.'

During the week-long trip, Jonathan and other fundraisers on the expedition will experience life on one of the world"s most inhospitable terrains.

In January, only one hour of sunlight is expected per day while twilight could last up to six hours.

'It"s going to be a huge challenge both mentally and physically - I think just trying to keep the sled upright and in a straight line will be a challenge in itself!' he said.

'Added to that there are very steep inclines to run and push the sled up, and with the fact we"ll be working hard and travelling long hours - I think this is going to be tough.

'The huskies will expect me to be working as hard as they are.'

And he continued: 'When I was younger I spent time wandering along the Lammermuirs and always enjoyed being outdoors.

'So where did I get my adverturer"s spirit from? It must have been John Muir! I like being away from civilisation.'

He hopes to raise £4,000 for Amnesty International from the expedition and, despite problems his knee, he has been given a clean bill of health from his doctor to take part.

'My knee has been troubling me for a while but I don"t think I will be speaking to anyone before I go because I don"t want to catch the flu at the last minute,' he said.

The former West Barns Primary School pupil left East Lothian as a 17 year old to study electrical engineering and computer science at Swansea University.

His parents, Diana and David, have lived for the last 30 years on Edinburgh Road, Belhaven.

Dad David was a civil engineer for East Lothian Council but retired a few years ago.

Jonathan will record his progress on a daily blog which can be visited at www.jonandthehuskies.blogspot.com and donations can be made via www.justgiv ing.com/jonandthehuskies