A 60-mile relay swim from Harris to St Kilda had to be postponed again today after bad weather closed in.
The group of adventurers, attempting to become the first to complete the feat, had hoped to set off at 4am. They expect the swim to take them between 36-42 hours.
But the forecast was only predicting 24 hours of calm seas. The attempt has been postponed until Tuesday.
This is now the third time this year the attempt has been postponed due to rough seas. Even in summer, conditions off St Kilda are difficult.
When they make the attempt, they will set of from Huisinish before tackling the tidal streams between Harris and the remote island archipelago out in the Atlantic Ocean.
The team consists of some of the most experienced open water swimmers in Scotland. They are raising money for The Leanne Fund, The Fisherman’s Mission, Yorkhill Children’s Charity and Aberlour Child Care Trust. So far they have raised more than £13,500 in sponsorship on their webpage.
Each team member will swim for 45 minutes at a time.
Organiser Colin Macleod said: “Due to poor weather coming out of nowhere, the swim has been postponed until Tuesday.”
An attempt last year had to be abandoned after 22 miles when bad weather closed in.
Western Isles SNP MP Angus MacNeil said: “Good luck to the nine swimmers who are attempting this feat, a 60 mile swim between Hushinish in North Harris to St Kilda.
“They are hoping to be the first team ever to complete this dangerous challenge, and raise money for four charities.
“Hopefully, the weather will be kind to them and they will complete this amazing feat.”