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International rowers descend on Stranraer for SkiffieWorlds

International rowers descend on Stranraer for SkiffieWorlds

BBC News06-07-2025
More than 2,000 rowers from around the globe are expected in south west Scotland for the SkiffieWorlds championship.The world championships for the St Ayles class coastal rowing boats is taking place on Loch Ryan, near Stranraer, from Sunday for seven days.A record-breaking 79 clubs from as far afield as Australia, South Africa, the USA and Canada are set to make it the biggest ever gathering of the colourful community-built boats.Events begin with an opening ceremony before the competition and an on-shore festival get under way.
The SkiffieWorlds attracted about 30,000 visitors when they were previously held in Stranraer in 2019 and are estimated to have generated up to £4m for the local economy.But is is hoped the 2025 edition will surpass those figures.The event is the world championship for the St Ayles class of coastal rowing boat and takes place every three years.The St Ayles skiff is a 22-foot (6.7m) fixed-seat rowing boat designed specifically for community building and coastal rowing. Each boat is typically built by the community that rows it.
Wendi Cuffe, trustee of Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA), said: "SkiffieWorlds is a world championship rowing event, but it's about so much more than competition."It's a celebration of community, connection, active participation and coastal heritage."The shoreside festival programme reflects everything that makes this sport special, from the international friendships forged through shared love of the water to the wellbeing benefits that keep people coming back to rowing."The championships will see more than 100 races across a number of age categories.Big screens will show live drone footage with commentary for spectators on the shore.
Stranraer water sports hub
The youngest competitor is 14, while the oldest is thought to be 81.Rebecca Edser, head of EventScotland, said it was delighted to support the event which could encourage economic growth and bring physical, mental and social benefits.The competition showcases wider efforts to boost Stranraer's transformation into a major water sports destination.Work started earlier this year on a water sports hub in the town and it is scheduled to open next summer.
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Rangers boss Russell Martin says it will all work out fine, but there is no sign of a plan clicking
Rangers boss Russell Martin says it will all work out fine, but there is no sign of a plan clicking

Daily Mail​

time39 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Rangers boss Russell Martin says it will all work out fine, but there is no sign of a plan clicking

There are a number of situations, on the eve of a £40million-plus play-off for a place in the Champions League proper, that make you feel that the American Revolution at Rangers isn't quite panning out the way people thought. There's the obvious, broad-brushstroke stuff, of course. The team, quite frankly, cannot defend and look wide open almost every time they lose the ball. Which is quite often, by the way. Over and above the three-goal home win over Viktoria Plzen in the last round of qualifiers in UEFA's premier competition, they have too often lacked the zip and ingenuity to break down opposition teams. And all that has led to some really, really serious questions about the new head coach Russell Martin. If you took a straw poll of the people who have been going to Ibrox in recent weeks to watch the early days of his reign play out, it would be no surprise to hear a sizeable number want him out the door already. 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BMW Championship: MacIntyre recovers from shaky start to lead Scheffler by two
BMW Championship: MacIntyre recovers from shaky start to lead Scheffler by two

BBC News

time2 hours ago

  • BBC News

BMW Championship: MacIntyre recovers from shaky start to lead Scheffler by two

Update: Date: 19:46 BST Title: Post Content: MacIntyre -14, Scheffler -12 (4) Bob splashes it out of the sand and manages to stop the ball a few feet from the hole. Yet again, he has another huge par putt to come. Update: Date: 19:45 BST Title: Post Content: MacIntyre -14, Scheffler -12 (4) A truly sensational approach from Scheffler from the middle of the fairway. It lands around seven feet from the fifth pin, with just a hint of spin on the ball to stop it on the button. MacIntyre, who is on the right of the fairway, has to fly a bunker to find the pin that's tucked in the back right corner. He finds the sand, unfortunately. It rolls back down the face though, which will help. Update: Date: 19:38 BST Title: Post Content: MacIntyre -14, Scheffler -12 (4) A fairway-finder with the driving iron for MacIntyre on the fifth. A steady shot after a frenzied start to his round. Scheffler takes the same club and also finds the middle of the fairway. 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Have your say on latest loan arrival Meghoma
Have your say on latest loan arrival Meghoma

BBC News

time2 hours ago

  • BBC News

Have your say on latest loan arrival Meghoma

Brentford left-back Jayden Meghoma says he's "hungry and excited" to get going at Rangers after joining the Ibrox club on loan. The 19-year-old links up with Russell Martin's side having spent the second half of last term on loan at Preston North End. The defender previously had spells with Tottenham and Southampton and was handed his senior debut for the Saints by Rangers boss Martin in 2023. "I am very excited to be here," Meghoma said."It is a fantastic club, and I know a lot about the rich history of Rangers. When the deal was presented to me, I thought straight away that it would be a fantastic opportunity for myself and my family."The main thing for me is getting results. Rangers is a big club, and I am ready, I am hungry and excited to get going."Boss Martin says Meghoma is a player with "potential, real athleticism and a great attitude".Rangers fans, what do you make of the signing? Are you pleased to bolster your defence? Rangers now have four loan signings, including three in defence - does that concern you?Have your say on Meghoma signing

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