The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Robert Rinder,
TV judge helps to launch weekend event at Loch Leven
of TV’s Judge Rinder and star of Strictly Come Dancing, took part in the Loch Leven Parkrun at the weekend as he was visiting friends Emma and Robin Niven who run the Loch Leven Larder.
TV’s Judge Rinder hot-footed it to a Kinross-shire beauty spot to help kickstart a weekend of historical celebrations.
Strictly Come Dancing star Robert Rinder took part in the annual Loch Leven parkrun on Saturday morning.
He was invited by friends Robin and Emma Niven, the owners of Loch Leven’s Larder, which he described in a Twitter post as “the best restaurant in Scotland”.
Rinder, whose new Channel 4 series began on Friday night, also took time out to watch a game of curling.
The 5K parkrun was followed yesterday by a historical celebration of Mary, Queen of Scots.
A series of boat races was held to mark Mary’s escape from Loch Leven Castle in 1568.
She had been held prisoner at the island fortress for 11 months, and famously got away in a commandeered fishing boat.
Each year the Rotary Club of Kinross and District commemorate the incident with races across the loch for experienced and amateur teams of rowers.
One member of each team played the Scottish Queen, and races began when they ran across the pier to join their teams in their waiting boats.
Crews then navigated a circuit of the loch, before returning to the starting point.
Prizes were handed out for the fastest crews, as well as the best dressed Marys.
Hundreds flocked to the loch to cheer on the racers and enjoy onshore activities including live music, facepainting, football and stalls.
Rotarians also provided a barbecue, with the local Inner Wheel group offering home backing and ice creams.
Towards the end of the event, Professor David Munro led walking tours around Kirkgate Park and described to visitors Mary’s great escape.
The afternoon was blessed with sunshine and excellent sailing conditions.