A new open water event taking place in the stunning surroundings of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has received support from EventScotland.
Go Swim Loch Lomond, a packed programme of open water swimming events for all ages and experience levels, will take place on 7 September at Loch Lomond and has been awarded £10,000 by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
The event will use the EventScotland funding to enhance the athlete’s village, produce a start and finishing stage, secure a commentator and to develop branding and flags.
Expecting to welcome 1000 swimmers, the event’s programme includes a family friendly 250 metre option, and 750 and 1500 metre options for those just starting out in open water swimming. For the more experienced swimmer, 3000, 5000 and 10,000 metre options are available. All distances include generous cut offs to allow for those who want to take it a bit easier.
With the support and backing of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Go Swim Loch Lomond will follow in the footsteps of the Great Scottish Swim after the event was cancelled earlier this year.
The launch of this exciting new open water event is particularly apt as preparations begin for the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020. The year will celebrate Scotland’s Coasts and Waters with a programme of events and activities which will shine a spotlight on these vital elements of our landscape.
Richard Pearson, Go Swim Loch Lomond Event Director, said: “We are really excited to be able to continue the tradition of fantastic open water swim events at Loch Lomond. We know thousands of people have enjoyed the previous races so it is a fantastic opportunity to create something that replicates that experience.
“We’re grateful to be working with EventScotland on this important and exciting project. Their support will ensure we deliver an even bigger and better Go Swim Loch Lomond. We look forward to all of our swimmers joining us on September 7th.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting Go Swim Loch Lomond, bringing a brand new event to the area and making the most of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships open water swimming legacy. With its established reputation amongst swimmers and its stunning backdrop for participants and spectators alike to enjoy, Loch Lomond is the perfect stage for such an event.”
David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Loch Lomond is a stunning location for open water swimming and I’m delighted to hear that we are supporting a new event for swimmers of all ages and abilities. With 1000 swimmers expected to participate, this event provides an opportunity for the area to showcase itself as a top visitor destination and ensure the benefits of tourism are felt across West Dumbartonshire.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience it is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change.”
For more information about Go Swim Loch Lomond, go to www.go-swim.uk
For more information about VisitScotland’s Event’s Directorate go to www.visitscotland.org/about_us/our_structure/directorates/eventscotland.aspx
