Hundreds of “buzzing” spectators lined a “very wild” River Dee at the weekend to watch the 23rd Aberdeen Boat Race.
Robert Gordon University were the victors on Saturday, the title from the Aberdeen University team who had stopped their opponents gaining a sixth consecutive win last year.
The race was the finale of an afternoon of events, held in what was described as “wild” conditions.
Erin Wyness, 21, the president of the RGU Boat Club, was “delighted” with the win, which was achieved in freezing conditions.
She said: “The river was un-rowable. The water was coming over the boat like tidal waves. On anoy other normal day, we wouldn’t have been out. It really came down to whovever best dealt with the conditions on the day.
“We’re all on cloud nine, and it still hasn’t quite sunk in that we’ve won the title back.
“Losing last year was a real blow, but to have brought the trophy back to RGU is amazing. I’m very proud of all the crew has achieved this year.
“This is my fourth time in the Aberdeen Boat Race, and to have won three of those feels incredible.
“Aberdeen University put out a strong line-up, but the race wouldn’t have been as exciting or tough if we didn’t have such formidable opponents.
“The Aberdeen Boat Race has raised the profile of rowing in the north east of Scotland over the last 23 years, and it’s been amazing to be a part of it again this year.”
After losing by just over six seconds, Aberdeen University’s Boat Club president Henry Pettinger-Harte, 22, said the crowd support had been really encouraging.
He added: “There was a real buzz about the river and it was amazing to see so many spectators lining the shore to cheer on the crews – it really made the day for us.”
After the afternoon’s action, one of Aberdeen University Rowing’s most distinguished figures, Gary Bain, christened a new boat purchased by the club which had been named in his honour.
Lewis McCue, the head coach of the rowing partnership programme, believes the new vessel is no more than Mr Bain deserves.
He said: “He was a really influential coach for Aberdeen and we wanted to celebrate the impact he has had by naming one of our boats after him.
“He is now a Scottish rowing umpire, but his legacy in Aberdeen goes on.”