PICTURES: Weather conditions make for slow-moving duck race at Brora but hundreds turn out in support

This year's Rotary Charity Duck Race at Brora had a wonderful entry of 2,400 sponsored ducks with hundreds of “owners” turning out to cheer on their entries on a dull autumn day, writes Alistair Risk of the Rotary Club of East Sutherland (RCOES).

A good tide ensured the river was full and the water was ideal for racing, but a cool stiff wind blew in from the North Sea and many of the ducks struggled to reach the finish line at Brora harbour despite the encouragement of the cheering crowds and the attending canoe club.

The winning duck owners were from Juniper Green in Edinburgh and unable to be there on the day, but the Marsh family from Golspie were present to cheer in the second-placed duck and to collect their £100 cash prize.

This was the 17th time that RCOES has run the race, which is a fundraiser for youth projects in Sutherland and which has raised around £30,000 over the years.

The funding has enabled the club to support local events and projects for young people such as providing action leadership courses, purchasing polytunnels and football strips and sponsoring bands in addition to holding district quizzes and competitions and much more.

We could not do all this without the generous support of the people of Sutherland who buy ducks and support RCOES with their initiatives.

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