Alan Rankin Circumnavigates Scotland

by Sue McKichan: BYM News on 3 May 2006 Alan Rankin has become the first person to circumnavigate Scotland by sail and pedal power alone. The charity challenge was undertaken on behalf of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland and The Parkinson’s Disease Society.

Starting at Kirkcudbright on the Solway Firth and sailing single-handedly sailing a 50 foot yacht, Pegasus, Alan completed a the 998 mile voyage around Scotland, which included sailing to the west of St Kilda and up round Muckle Flugga, the most northerly point of the Shetland Isles. Despite stopping at Stromness, on Orkney, for two days to carry out vital repairs and having an enforced seven day stay at Lerwick, on Shetland, due to a period of strong southerly gales, Alan arrived at Blyth on the N E coast of England determined to complete the challenge.

After some well-earned rest, Alan set off from Blyth on Sunday evening to cycle the 160 miles to Kirkcudbright. Covering 97 seven miles by midnight, he spent an uncomfortable night catching some sleep in the front seat of the support car parked in a lay-by near Gretna. At 6.15am. Alan crossed the border back into Scotland and was joined by his brother Ian and sister Helen at Dumfries for the remaining 60 miles.

At 2.30pm on Monday 1st May Alan completed his circumnavigation, and was greeted by a group of family, friends, supporters and representatives from the Parkinson’s’ Disease Society in Kirkcudbright town centre some eighteen days after he left the town’s marina.

Asked about the highlights of the trip Alan said; 'Apart from getting off the bike at the end of it all, the trip had had many unforgettable moments. Sailing round St Kilda was really something, as was some of the night sailing under the stars and an incredibly bright moon. The sunsets and morning light were stunning. I also enjoyed seeing the many seabirds’ common to more northerly waters found in northern waters, particularly the puffins - some of which seemed too full of fish to be able to take off from the sea as Pegasus sped towards them. I was accompanied by a pod of Dolphins for ten minutes off the island of Unst, which was rather special. At the other end of the spectrum there were times of extreme fatigue, cold and misery during the sailing leg and the last few miles of the cycle run were absolute torture, fighting into a strong headwind and climbing the hills approaching Kirkcudbright. However, it was all worth it to see so many friendly faces at the finish and just to get the job done.'

Nick Fleming of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland said: 'Alan took on and completed a huge physical challenge and we are really very grateful for the funds raised and the increased awareness of our work with young people that his efforts have created.'

Hugo Middlemass, Director of Fundraising at the Parkinson’s Disease Society said: 'We were delighted that Alan chose the Parkinson’s Disease Society to benefit from this enormous challenge and are massively impressed by the fact that he has honoured his commitment to complete the challenge. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Alan spent longer than expected away from his family to raise funds to support people with Parkinson’s and to fund much-needed research.'

The challenge has raised to date over £7,000 and donations can be made by post or online at www.soloroundscotland.com. All donations will go directly to the charities nominated by donors.