COASTAL rowers from Ross-shire linked up with like-minded lovers of life on the ocean wave during a special event organised as part of a milestone year.

Coastal rowing has taken off across the county in recent years with community groups springing up its length and breadth.

As part of the Year of Coastal Waters, some local groups got involved in a baton handover event organised as part of a row around Scotland event.

Organisers have had to adapt to the challenges of the coronavirus crisis but the sheer enjoyment enthusiasts derive from rowing was plain for all to see.

Sandra Hogg, of Chanonry Rowing, said: "The Fortrose to Ardersier leg of Row Around Scotland started with a dreich microplastics trawl. It fairly slowed the boat down.

"Then Avoch rowed up for the baton transfer before we all rowed across to Ardersier for a great welcome with sandwiches and cake!

"That completes section seven."

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Rowers then waited to see off colleagues on the leg round to Nairn before rowing home. It was, said Ms Hogg, "another great day out!"

It was organised by Scottish Coastal Rowing Association whose 70 member clubs will all take part, joining up their communities and promoting Scotland’s wonderful coastline and waters along the way.

But as Berny Welsh (62) from Nairn Rowing Club explained, there is also a citizen science aspect to their challenge.

He said: "As part of the row we will be gathering water samples for 1km of the journey. The sample will then be sent to SAMS (Scottish Acssociation for Marine Science) in Oban for testing."

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