A team of charity fundraisers have been forced to postpone a 60-mile relay swim to from the Western Isles to St Kilda due to rough seas – for the second time this year.
The nine adventurers intended to tackle the tidal streams between Harris and the remote island archipelago out in the Atlantic Ocean yesterday.
Forecasts of unseasonable gales and rough waves forced the team to cancel their planned attempt in May and last year’s had to be abandoned after 22 miles.
They had hoped to try again yesterday and had a safety boat chartered for eight days in the hope of calm conditions.
After canceling this latest attempt, organiser Colin Macleod said they would try again for another weather window between July 25 and August 20.
Even in the middle of summer, conditions off the remote island archipelago are difficult.
Swimmers plan to set off from Huisinish, taking 45-minute turns in relay formation.
Mr Macleod said: “Due to the unpredictable weather, again, we’ve decided to postpone the attempt until a later date.
“We have a new weather window which is from July 25-August 20. Surely we can get 48 hours of calm seas in a four week period. The St Kilda team really appreciate everyone’s patience and support. We will get this done.”
He added: “It will not be easy. This will be the team’s second go at St Kilda, managing to swim about 22 miles last year until the weather got the better of us.”
The team consists of some of the most experienced open water swimmers in Scotland. Members have experience built through years of competing in open water swim races as well as participating in previous similar challenges. The team trains throughout the year in the pool and for those based on the islands at Coll Beach from early February onwards.
The challenge is to raise money for The Leanne Fund, The Fishermen’s Mission, Yorkhill Children’s Charity and Aberlour Child Care Trust.
The swimmers will be supported by three kayakers and a cabin cruiser whilst they swim around 60 miles through the North Atlantic Ocean, hoping to be the first team to complete this dangerous challenge.