February film focus for Blue Mind swimmers
Around 80 swimmers from toddler to senior citizen and all ages in between took to Loch Linnhe on the morning of Saturday February 18 for the monthly Blue Mind Swim.
On this occasion the dook also supported the Fort William Mountain Festival with the addition of a piper and special guest.
Renowned wild swimmer, author and broadcaster on the subject Calum MacLean joined the group in chilly waters after setting up his drone to record the event and delivering an encouraging speech on the excitement and benefits of taking to the “watery” great outdoors.
He said: “Wild swimming is a great experience and apart from enjoying beautiful surroundings and seeing them from a different perspective it is also really good for the health.
“It is really good to see so many enthusiastic people taking part today and ready to enjoy a swim in Loch Linnhe, with the sun shining on the hills around us and beautiful water conditions.”
With an air temperature of around three degrees centigrade and many of the swimmers wearing nothing more than shorts or swimming costumes, they were delighted to get in water and get some exercise to warm up their muscles, with big smiles showing just how much they were enjoying the experience.
One of the organisers, Nix Forster, said: “A big thanks to everyone for coming and especially Calum MacLean and piper Sandy Halewood, who joined us as part of the Mountain Festival.”
The Blue Mind Swim is a regular monthly event organised by Off Beat Bikes and Mountain Yoga. It is entirely free and everyone is welcome to go along.
The next event takes place on Saturday March 18 at 9am from the West End Car Park in Fort William.
NHS Scotland has already granted the holiday, as have 21 other local authorities.
The proposal to grant the bank holiday sailed through last week’s corporate resources committee with unanimous approval. However, the final decision rests with Scottish ministers.
It is another lost school day for parents, who are already contending with the February midterm break, Easter holidays and several days lost