IT could be described as taking the high road to spread the Easter message.

Members of Strathblane Parish Church in Stirlingshire ventured up Dunglass Hill, overlooking their village, to celebrate Good Friday and the Easter weekend by erecting a large cross on the beauty spot.

The congregation plan to hold an open-air service at the cross on Sunday, after previously holding a number of services in other outdoor locations.

Church members used a bike to transport the bike to the bottom of the hill before carrying it up in the middle of a storm on Tuesday.

They then returned on Wednesday to hoist it upright using ropes to securely anchor it to the turf.

Now the monument is visible from miles around and stands proud atop the hill.

Reverend Richard Begg, minister of Strathblane Parish Church, said: "It was blowing a gale and there was sleet and snow when we were taking it up the hill.

"It's a very large cross and it took four of us to get it up to the top of the hill where we secured it with a frame and eight guy ropes. It was hard work but it was worth it."

Mr Begg said he hoped the cross, almost 10ft high, would encourage people to stop and think about the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

He added: "We have been holding an open-air service on Easter Sunday for a while and it had been moving about to different locations.

"Then someone came up with the idea of putting the cross up and holding the sermon here. This is the second year we've done it.

"We hope that people see it and think about what the season is about, and about the death and rebirth of Jesus Christ."

As thousands of people are expected to take to the outdoors over the Easter weekend, ramblers were warned about taking extra care around young animals living on land round Scotland.

James Lawson, convener of Rambers Scotland, said walkers should ensure they were aware of advice in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code on responsible access to farmland.

"Walkers should remember that this is a sensitive time for many farmers, with lambs and other young animals in fields," he said.

"Since many lowland paths go through farmland, walkers should pay particular attention to any guidance on alternative routes or requests to avoid certain areas, and they should particularly make sure that their dogs are under proper control."