Home   News   Article

PICTURES: Kessock Ferry Swim returns to Ross-shire waters after 50 years


By Imogen James

Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Swimmers line up to begin. Pictures: Paul Campbell
Swimmers line up to begin. Pictures: Paul Campbell

300 hardy swimmers took to the chilly waters of Inverness for the revival of the Kessock Ferry Swim on Saturday, returning after a 50 year break.

The 1200m long route follows the old Kessock ferry route from South to North Kessock and back again.

Swimmers take to the chilly waters of Inverness for the Kessock Ferry Swim, returning after a 50 year gap. This classic route from South to North Kessock, and back again is approximately 1200m long and took place in exposed tidal water with an experienced safety support crew in support.
Swimmers take to the chilly waters of Inverness for the Kessock Ferry Swim, returning after a 50 year gap. This classic route from South to North Kessock, and back again is approximately 1200m long and took place in exposed tidal water with an experienced safety support crew in support.

Experienced crew were in the water for support and the event was planned closely around the tide to ensure the safest conditions.

Swimmers take to the chilly waters of Inverness for the Kessock Ferry Swim, returning after a 50 year gap. This classic route from South to North Kessock, and back again is approximately 1200m long and took place in exposed tidal water with an experienced safety support crew in support.
Swimmers take to the chilly waters of Inverness for the Kessock Ferry Swim, returning after a 50 year gap. This classic route from South to North Kessock, and back again is approximately 1200m long and took place in exposed tidal water with an experienced safety support crew in support.

£2200 was raised by organisers which will go towards the Merkinch Local Nature Reserve.

Event organiser from Àban Outdoor Ltd Johannes Petersen, said: "The conditions were ideal for the swim and it was great to see so many from the local community to come out and cheer on the swimmers.

Swimmers take to the chilly waters of Inverness for the Kessock Ferry Swim, returning after a 50 year gap. This classic route from South to North Kessock, and back again is approximately 1200m long and took place in exposed tidal water with an experienced safety support crew in support.
Swimmers take to the chilly waters of Inverness for the Kessock Ferry Swim, returning after a 50 year gap. This classic route from South to North Kessock, and back again is approximately 1200m long and took place in exposed tidal water with an experienced safety support crew in support.
A victorious swimmer.
A victorious swimmer.

"Open water swimming is very popular these days and there are many events for swimmers, this is a classic route and offers people a challenge which is a little different to others". The swim was a popular annual event from 1947-1968 before indoor pools became more common.

Swimmers take to the chilly waters of Inverness for the Kessock Ferry Swim, returning after a 50 year gap. This classic route from South to North Kessock, and back again is approximately 1200m long and took place in exposed tidal water with an experienced safety support crew in support.
Swimmers take to the chilly waters of Inverness for the Kessock Ferry Swim, returning after a 50 year gap. This classic route from South to North Kessock, and back again is approximately 1200m long and took place in exposed tidal water with an experienced safety support crew in support.
A huge crowd of people took part.
A huge crowd of people took part.

Àban Outdoor Ltd is a charity and every penny raised goes to support their charitable work in Inverness.

They work with schools, community groups and other charities to offer positive outdoor adventures for children and families in need.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More