Scotland’s first ever roller skating marathon is to take place in Edinburgh this summer.

The inaugural Great Scottish Skate has been launched to mark the 190th anniversary of Deaf Connections.

The Scottish charity hopes to raise more than £10,000 from sponsorship and entry fees of the event set to take place at The Royal Highland Centre on July 28.

Tamsin Ferrier, event and community fundraising manager for Deaf Connections, said: “We are really excited to host Scotland’s first ever roller challenge and would encourage skaters and boarders of all abilities to enter, even those that are new to the sport.

“The Great Scottish Skate is all about having fun and bringing skaters together with the aim to raise money through sponsorship for a truly fantastic cause.

“We cannot thank everyone enough who has helped the charity over its 190 years in turn helping us make a real difference to the deaf and hard of hearing community.”

Members of Scotland’s national roller derby team have given their support to the event by encouraging people to take part.

Mandi Collins, from Team Scotland Roller Derby, said: “We are thrilled to help launch such an exciting and worthwhile event in aid of Deaf Connections.

“Never before has Scotland held such a unique marathon, and it will be fantastic to see so many people on skates getting involved, whilst raising money for such a deservingcharity.”

There are three different distances for participants to choose from with the marathon as the most challenging. In addition to roller skates the event is also open to skateboards, Heelys and inline skates.