Rowing challenge hopes to celebrate Biosphere Reserves

St Ayles skiff to be rowed from Scotland to IOM in 52-mile round trip

A group of rowers are hoping to make it from Scotland to the Isle of Man today to celebrate links between Biosphere reserves.

In a 52-mile round trip, the Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club will be travelling from the Isle of Whithorn in Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere in a traditional wooden St Ayles skiff.

When they reach the Point of Ayre, they'll be joined by Laxey Coastal Rowing Club before heading towards Ramsey's south beach.

They're hoping to arrive at around midday, and members of the public are encouraged to greet the challengers.

The visitors will then be presented with a Manx flag to take back to their own reserve.

Brandon Cain, Biosphere Isle of Man Youth Representative, said: "This initiative demonstrates the power of cultural exchange, bringing the Isle of Man Biosphere closer to our biosphere neighbours, Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, crossing our borders where they meet in the Irish Sea."

Jacqui Keenan, Biosphere Isle of Man Coordinator, said: "We’re really excited to welcome these intrepid rowers to our island biosphere.

"It’s been brilliant to see the youth representatives from both biospheres working together, underscoring the Isle of Man’s role within a wider network of biosphere reserves across the UK and the globe."