From Scotland to the Isle of Man: Veteran rowers complete marathon challenge

A team of eight veteran rowers has successfully completed an open-sea crossing from the south of Scotland to the Isle of Man and back in a single day.

Six men and two women from Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club undertook the round trip of more than 50 miles from the Isle of Whithorn in their hand-built wooden boat, Ninian.

The team of four selected for the outward journey left the jetty at the Isle of Whithorn at 06:00 on Saturday.

Following a stopover at the Isle of Man, a second crew - who had been on one of the support vessels - arrived back at their home jetty in the gathering darkness just after 22:00 - to the cheers of those waiting on the quayside.

Club chairman John Mcguire - who coxed the crews on both legs - said it had been a memorable experience in perfect conditions.

"It did take us a little longer than anticipated - both ways - but our rowers were amazing - every one of them," he said.

"The return boat included my oldest man at 69 and my oldest woman at 67.

"We had a really good reception in the Isle of Man. Laxey Rowing Club gave us an 'oar salute' and played Flower of Scotland as we came in.

"It was flat calm throughout, really beautiful. If you were to pay somebody for a day, that would be the day you picked.

An initial departure planned for March and another earlier this month had to be postponed because of poor weather conditions for the 26-mile (42km) each-way challenge.

Mcguire said the variability of the Scottish climate had been an issue for training but the team had not been discouraged.

"They've been rowing in some pretty horrific conditions, higher winds than they'll encounter on the crossing, and we've slowly been increasing the distance and the time in the boat," he said ahead of the challenge.

"Other clubs were cancelling sessions, but they were still out in the wind, hail and rain.

"You've really got to take your hat off to them for the commitment they've shown."

He said they hoped the effort could encourage others to give it a try as well as raise much-needed funds.

"Our youngest rowers are in their 40s and the majority are a bit older," he said.

"If these ladies and gents can do it, there's no reason why other people can't."