A splash and a dash as 40 brave swimmers plunge in Lamlash

Zabdi lifts the Ali Bodie memorial plate for courage

Forty swimmers braved the chilly waters of Lamlash Bay on Saturday for this year’s aquatic dash that is the Lamlash Splash.

The 1.3 mile swim from Holy Island to Lamlash pier may have been held in dull overcast conditions, but the big crowd were treated to quite a spectacle.

Assisting with this well organised event were the RNLI, HM Coastguard, various ribs, small boats, many kay- aks and of course, the brave swimmers, including 10 from Arran.

The flotilla in the bay herded, protected and monitored the swimmers as they undertook this non-competitive ‘race’ under the watchful eye of well trained personnel and experienced volunteers.

The participants, many of them regulars, were there to improve on their personal times from years before, or to use it as a training session for triathlons. The fastest time was just over 30 minutes, while the last was almost triple that, which is still an ac- complishment in itself.

First local man in was Glen Sloss with a time of 35 minutes and 35 seconds which was five seconds behind the first swimmer home, Alan Bowey. The first lady across the line was Jan Roxburgh who completed the swim in 44 minutes and 24 seconds. Georgina Maclean was the first local woman in 51 minutes and 4 seconds.

The very popular event raised more than £1,000 for the Arran Junior Sailing Club and which saw local, Zabdi Keen winning the Ali Bodie memorial plate for courage.

20_b39lamsplash02 The group of local swimmers wait to be transported to the start at Holy Isle.

20_ b39lamsplash01 The RNLI provided any assistance needed and made sure swimmers were safe from passing vessels

20_b39lamsplash04 Participants donned their distinctive orange swim caps so the safety crews could see them

20_b39lamsplash07 A hardy swimmer makes his way across Lamlash Bay

20_b39lamsplash05 The hardy swimmers set off

20_b39lamsplash09 The first local female to return, Georgina Maclean