Bid to break bungee jump world record at Perthshire bridge

A Frenchman who had a fear of heights as a youngster is attempting to break the world record for the number of bungee jumps in 24 hours.

Francois-Marie Dibon will do his final jump at Garry Bridge, Killiecrankie, Perthshire, at 10:00 on Wednesday.

The record is currently held by Mike Heard, who completed 430 jumps at Auckland Harbour Bridge in May 2017.

Mr Dibon, 44, will need to complete a jump every three and a half minutes to break the record.

He said: "I used to be afraid of heights, and bungee jumping is a very good cure.

"I found it's worth the effort to face your fears and overcome them.

"So I decided to put that statement to the test."

Mr Dibon, an actuary who works in Stockholm, said it would be his "pleasure to bring the record to Scotland."

He said: "I love Scotland, and the French love the Scottish people. I have an amazing team here and a beautiful site.

"When you're on the edge and you're going to jump, the scenery is very important, and what I see is just wonderful."

As recently as March, Mr Dibon was suffering the equivalent of sea-sickness, due to the constant motion of going up and down on the elasticated bungee cord.

However, he said he overcame this after completing 25 hours a week in the gym, focusing on cardio and core muscle stints, and learning breathing techniques.

He said: "We have been thinking about this for the last five-and-a half years, with ups and downs and some road-blocks on the way.

"Now the karma is good. The stars are aligned."

The Highland Fling Bungee jump-masters are working in four-hour shifts, winching Mr Dibon back up to the platform after every jump.

He said: "When needed, I will rest, we have built this into the plan.

"If there is a slight adjustment required or a bungee cord change, this can take 10 minutes.

"If that happens, I will lie down and take a micro nap."