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Coastal rowing races begin after high winds relent

Kirstin McEwan/CT Productions Two coastal rowing teams go head to head one in a red boat and red tops, the other in a white boat with white tops and a red stripeKirstin McEwan/CT Productions
Racers from around the world are in south west Scotland for the event

A major coastal rowing championship in south west Scotland has resumed after being hit by high winds.

The SkiffieWorlds opened in Stranraer on Sunday but the first day's racing had to be cancelled on Monday due to the weather conditions.

However, organisers confirmed that the winds on Loch Ryan had now subsided enough to let racing begin.

Thousands of competitors from around the world are in the area to take part in the championships this year.

Kirstin McEwan/CT Productions A choppy sea with big, rolling waves with the green coast of south west Scotland in the distanceKirstin McEwan/CT Productions
High winds on Loch Ryan led to the cancellation of Monday's racing

An opening ceremony was held on Sunday but forecast winds gusting to about of 40mph (65km/h) saw Monday's races postponed.

The races were able to start on Tuesday - with 23 expected throughout the day - and appeared likely to continue for the rest of the festival.

Organiser Wendi Cuffe said conditions looked good for the rest of the week.

"We are absolutely thrilled that world championship rowing is now under way on our beautiful Loch Ryan," she said.

"The weather forecast for the rest of this week is absolutely perfect, and spirits are high.

"We are looking forward to seeing fantastic times and good competitive racing."