Loch Awe hosts regatta adventure

Loch Awe takes the helm next month when it hosts this year's first Scottish coastal rowing regatta on a Scottish freshwater loch.

After the success of the coastal rowing adventure regatta hosted by Loch Awe Coastal Rowing Club (LACRC) at Dalavich in 2019, the scene is being set for another.

Most of the 11 visiting coastal rowing clubs, including Chanonry and Avoch; Largs; the Island of Arran CRC and the newly-built Nellie G from the Appin skiff community project, will arrive at Dalavich on Saturday April 23.

Loch Awe's Cruachan skiff will be there to meet and greet the rowers and skiffs. Saturday - day one of the event - will feature a historical rowing tour and short races, followed by a ceilidh and buffet in Dalavich Community Hall.

On Sunday April 24, Loch Awe will be ablaze with the brightly-coloured hulls of 12 St Ayles skiffs racing from Dalavich, with a turn north at Taychreggan and back south west to Dalavich. There will be 48 rowers, 12 coxes and 48 oars racing across the loch with a glint of a trophy at the end.

‘Loch Awe CRC is looking forward to welcoming clubs and showing off the area and the community in and around Avich and Kilchrenan,' said LACRC's Melanie Grey.

‘Despite the remote location of coastal rowing clubs in Argyll and the islands, membership here is growing, albeit slowly, and clubs are popping up. The sense of community and camaraderie it brings is an absolute joy.'

Melanie stressed the weekend would not be possible without the kindness and generosity of volunteers who donate their time and skills.

‘Thanks go to Bid4Oban which has donated £100 of Love Oban gift vouchers,' added Melanie. ‘If there are any local businesses which would like to help support the event and donate raffle prizes please contact us on our Facebook page.'