DECKED head to toe in tartan, Neil Scott is looking to raise funds for a charity helping the fight against a disease that “destroys” lives.

The Haddington man will “stand out like a sore thumb” when he takes to the start line of the London Marathon next Sunday (April 23).

It is all for a good cause, as he looks to raise money for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The charity was set up by Scottish and British Lions rugby star Doddie Weir, who died in November last year, five years after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

Neil, who works as a rehabilitation engineer at the Astley Ainslie Hospital in Edinburgh, said: “I could not think of a better cause.

“It is quite close to my heart.

“I have seen over 30 years that technology has moved on but the condition, the disease, is brutal and destroys the individual’s life and family life.

“There is no cure.

“Can you imagine you cannot wipe a tear or blow your nose and you have to rely on people?

“It is very difficult and that is the reason I am doing it.”

Stepping onto the start line later this month will mark the second time the father-of-two has taken part in the London Marathon.

He completed the 26.3-mile course in 1997 and will mark his 60th year by once again joining the thousands taking on the world-famous course.

He said: “The amount of rejections is unbelievable.

“There are guys who have been in the ballot for 10 to 15 years and never got a place.

“There is always an outside chance to get a charity place but it is one of those things.

“I cannot get the tune [The Trap – the London Marathon theme composed and conducted by Ron Goodwin] out of my head.

“That is going to be going round my head for the next few weeks.

“It is an iconic event and it is something if you ever want to do a marathon, London is the one to do, especially if you are from the UK.

“It is the pinnacle and they cater for every ability but it is difficult to get in!”

Neil highlighted that Doddie, who gained 60 caps for Scotland between 1990 and 2000, had been a regular supporter of rugby clubs across the country, including Haddington, where Neil is a long-standing member.

The yellow and blue tartan became synonymous with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Neil will be proudly wearing the colours for the event, which is screened on the BBC.

He was planning to make the most of the opportunity to take on the course and raise funds for a good cause.

He said: “I might not want to enter it again.

“Being 60, I could not really think of anything better than to say I have taken part in my 60th year.

“It would tick the box.

“I will not trouble the leaders or anything, don’t worry about that!

“The hardest part is managing emotions.

“I don’t want to get carried away. I will have a watch on but will not be looking at it.

“I will run round and try to do a wee Facebook video on the way and it is just because it is such an iconic event.

“You might not get the opportunity again.”

To support Neil, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/neil-scott26