Family Swim

SWIMMING PODS IN THE LOCH

Iain Ferguson If you happened to see some strange waterborne activity in Loch Linnhe last month, your eyes were not deceiving you. However, these were not mysterious creatures of the deep, but humans swimming in ‘pods’ of two or three on a charity swim.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Tri-4- Life organisation, in which experienced and dedicated tri-athletes - running, swimming and cycling - take part in events to help a number of charities, a team of 24 swam 46 miles along the waterways of the Great Glen.

Loch Linnhe represented a major part of their challenge with a carefully calculated departure from Caol foreshore taking account of tide, wind and weather, setting off in the afternoon with a target of reaching the Corran Narrows by nightfall.

They first set their sights on Camus na Gaul then down the west side of the loch with a safety boat in constant

attendance and land support tracking them down the single track road. Their quest continued next day with a 10-mile swim of Loch Lochy, then another five miles in Loch Oich, from Gairlochy heading northwards.

Incredibly, participants from 20 to 75 years and all ages in between took part, many from the same family, including greatgrandchildren of Diane and Ray Hanlon who started the charity.

Son and event organiser Liam Hanlon said: ‘It is a charitable fund, with its roots in my parents starting a family quest to raise money for charities dear to their

heart by sporting activities, particularly triathlon and other elite endurance events.

‘A group of average everyday friends were brought together by a vision, passion and enthusiasm through a common interest in the sport of triathlon and extending the hand of friendship across the world.’

Local support was given by Donald MacPhater of Scottish West Coast Cruises with some of the team being guests aboard his vessel, Lady Sofrida, in Corpach Basin. Other than providing shelter and technical guidance, he also supplied a giant pot of warming stew for returning swimmers as well as a specially requested delicacy, fruit loaves made by Caol charity contributor Isabel MacPhee, which they had sampled on an earlier visit.

He said: ‘The team adopted a ‘bubble’ approach, due to coronavirus precautions. and anti-virus procedures were adopted aboard, with ensuing post-departure isolation and cleaning. They loved it and it all went well.’