Kessock Ferry Swim is set to return at the end of this month. Taking place on August 31, just under 300 participants will swim from the Old Ticket Office at South Kessock pier to North Kessock pier and back again completing a total of 1200 metres. Organised by local outdoor charity Aban, the event is set to generate funds for them and Merkinch Primary School Parent Council.
Aban provides weekly outdoor youth groups for biking, mountaineering, open-water swimming and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Open Award. Swimmers and spectators will be welcomed by Inverness City Youth Pipe Band at 10.45am before the swim sets off at 11.
15am. Black Isle Brewery is sponsoring this year’s event and will be providing refreshments for after the mammoth challenge. Kate O'Brien, outreach and events lead at Aban said: “Kessock Ferry Swim has been an iconic historic challenge since the 1940s which has been brought back to life in recent years.
“It’s a great opportunity to take on the challenge with safety being provided. All the proceeds go back into the community, enabling local youngsters to get outdoors regularly and explore the beautiful area we live in." A spokesperson for Black Isle Brewery added: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Kessock Ferry Swim, which brings together people of all ages and backgrounds for what is a really special and historic community event.
We share many key values with Aban, particularly in our desire to close the growing gap between young people and the great outdoors. “Each week, we host schoolchildren and volunteers on our organic brewery farm with the aim of providing hands-on experience of nature-friendly horticultural methods. Quality time spent in nature has multiple proven benefits to physical and mental health – we believe these benefits are as critical as ever to the wellbeing of future generations.
” Local caterer Grazey Days will be providing the food to swimmers and spectators. The event will be hosted at the Sea Cadets Centre on Kessock Road There are limited spaces still available for the swim. Under 18s are able to partake but must be accompanied by an adult.
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