Early morning on a cold Sutherland beach - and wild swimmers are out in force
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A WILD swimmer who started a Facebook group earlier this year inviting others to join her, has been astounded at the level of interest.
Rhionna Mackay, the manager of Lairg and District Learning Centre, began wild swimming regularly in February, inspired by fellow devotees Amanda Macrae and Scott Miller of Brora.
She had previously been swimming in the sea occasionally but mainly in the spring and autumn.
“I posted an image on social media of my brief sea swim and a friend asked if she could join me,” said Rhionna. “She then shared an image and video of our swim and we were joined by another six people the following weekend. From there interest just grew.
“I set up a Facebook group in March and we now have 66 members. We have people from Helmsdale down to Dornoch in the group and people post when and where they are planning to go swimming for others to join them.”
An average of 12 adults along with children and dogs meet at various locations at weekends to brave the freezing waters.
Rhionna continued: “If you’d said to me last year that 12 people would be joining me to swim in the sea at 6am on a Saturday morning at Brora beach when it’s only three degrees, I would never have believed you, but it’s happening every Saturday and Sunday now.
“We’ve met new people, it’s been a great way to socialise and exercise in a safe manner during the pandemic and a fantastic way to build a connection with our local area.”
The group will shortly be organising sessions with a wild swimming coach aimed at anyone who wants to improve their wild swimming skills and confidence.
Rhionna has issued an open invitation to join the wild swimmers.
“You can join the Facebook group, just search for ‘Brora Wild Swimming’. Everyone is welcome,” she said.
