Coastal rowing celebrations will continue online

RowAround Scotland 2020, a non-competitive, six month coastal rowing event was due to get underway at the weekend but was posponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Over 1000 rowers were due to take part in the 1000 mile circumnavigation of Scotland until organisers had to call it off.

But rather than put it completely on the shelf, those behind it decided to create a cyber voyage with the communities due to take part, which include Stranraer, Orkney, Findhorn, Wick, Wigtown Bay and Annan as well as Anstruther, sharing their individual memories, stories and archive photos of the landscapes they would have been rowing through online.

The content, which will also share stories on each of the crews and clubs, will be published on www.rowaround.scot over the forthcoming months to keep the excitement, pride and community spirit flowing.

Sue Fenton, RowAround Scotland 2020 Event Organiser said it’s still hoped the real voyage can be completed.

“Our Virtual RowAround Scotland 2020 is all about creating an opportunity from a disappointment, as well as celebrating ten years of the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association and Scotland’s celebratory themed year in a different way,” she said.

“A beacon in a sea of uncertainty.

“As coastal rowers, we are well primed to expect the unexpected and we are hopeful that we can pick up the live voyage when the time is right to do so.

“However, for now it’s about bringing communities together, sharing stories and trying to recreate that camaraderie of being all-at-sea together, through our dedicated website.”

The first section of the voyage started in the south west of Scotland on Saturday and will continue around the country until it reaches Fife within the next few months.

For more information to view the virtual content and route – visit www.rowaround.scot