A daring group of seven swimmers have set the first record for swimming the 60-
The exhausted but elated group were overjoyed when they touched land at 3pm at Huisinish
in Harris after a 35-
Four earlier attempts were dogged by bad weather and heavy swells but the group’s last chance hit on what turned out to be the two best days out of an unseasonable summer with sea temperatures topping thirteen degrees.
Encountering dolphins and whales, they made good progress for the first half of the way though but very strong currents pulled them backwards at times forcing swimmers to get out of the water after 15 minutes spells.
Crossing the final stretch was a frustrating, arduous chore, with the tide -
On the shingle shore at Huisinish, team leader Colin Macleod had a huge grin on his face as he celebrated creating the St Kilda swim record.
Mr Macleod said: “Everybody is buzzing -
“Its magnificent that were are the first people to have done this.”
Swimmer Eilidh Whiteford said: “It is awesome, just awesome. The whole challenge was glorious and so much fun.
“I enjoyed every single swim on this trip. The best moment was just swimming in the
ocean in the sunshine. We saw dolphins, minke whales and loads of birdlife -
She added: “Swimming in the dark was the worst part It was daunting and no-
“But we had thought we would have to do two night swims so we are pleased to have done it today and not to have to do another night.”
Advice from Murdanie Macdonald of Island Cruising, skipper of the support boat, MV Cuma, recommending they set off from St Kilda and take maximum advantage of the tidal flow inshore paid off.
Mr Macdonald remained awake since the group set off on Sunday.
Conditions were very good with flat calm seas though the night was pitch balck. On Tuesday morning we hit very strong tides off Scarp (on the final approach). It was a struggle getting through that but they managed it. It was a lot of hard work for them but they did it.”
The group is raising cash for four good causes -
Willie Mitchell of the Leanne Fund was on the shore to welcome the swimmers home.
Mr Mitchell said: “I am overwhelmed by what they have achieved.
“They have made history and I am glad our charity is one they have chosen to fundraise for.
He added: “I really felt for Colin who organise the swim. A few times they tried and had to give up so its just brilliant they have now managed it. Well done to them.”
The team set off from Village Bay in St Kida at 4.20am on Sunday, after sailing there on the MV Cuma the previous day.
Accompanied by three kayakers, each of the seven swimmers followed a rota to braved the seas.
They first attempted the feat last year but were forced to abandon the course after reaching about a third of the way when heavy swells were too hazardous for their support kayakers.
The final slog: The swimmers all get in the water for arrival at Huisinish
St Kilda swimmers complete crossing
18 August 2015
