Brothers embark on 14,000km Pacific rowing record attempt
Three Scottish brothers have set off across the Pacific Ocean on a 14,000km rowing record attempt.
The Maclean brothers - Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan - are aiming to complete the fastest ever non-stop and unsupported row from Peru to Sydney in Australia.
They were cheered by supporters, a flotilla of boats and the Peruvian Navy brass band when they departed from Lima in their custom boat on Saturday.
The Edinburgh brothers expect to spend more than 120 days at sea, rowing in two-hour shifts around the clock with no resupplies or safety boat.
The Macleans previously broke three world records rowing across the Atlantic in 2020.
Their latest attempt aims to raise £1m for clean water projects in Madagascar.
Lachlan Maclean, 26, said: "It's definitely daunting, but we've prepared so long that we're desperate to get going.
"In many ways we're a bit weird – I'm probably happier on the water. I've never been good at replying to emails, and now I have the best excuse in the world."
The evening before departure Lachlan was vacuum-packing loo roll to save cabin space while eldest brother Ewan was fixing a broken watermaker.
Ewan, 33, a former Dyson engineer, said: "We usually forget things when we're going away for the weekend, so preparing for 120 plus days at sea has not been without its challenges.
"When the watermaker broke I thought the game was up – we couldn't find another part, but thankfully I managed to fix it.
"All those years working as an engineer have come in handy."
The brothers' 280kg vessel was built to be one of the lightest and strongest ocean rowing boats ever made.
It is named Rose Emily in memory of their unborn sister, with her name hand-painted on the hull by their mother.
On board are 500kg of freeze-dried food, including 75kg of oats and a menu of high-calorie comfort meals prepared by Jamie.
Meals include beef chilli, Thai red curry, and haggis, neeps and tatties - with the hope of adding fresh fish caught at sea.
Jamie Maclean, 31, added: "We know this will be hard for Mum and Dad, having all three of us isolated at sea.
"But they've been incredibly supportive. They've worked just as hard as we have to prepare and we can't wait to see them when we row into Sydney Harbour."
The route spans about 14,000km (8,700 miles) depending on conditions.
The Macleans aim to arrive in Australia by 2 August.
We want to smash the Pacific rowing record - using F1 technology
Brothers become fastest trio to row the Atlantic
Brothers take on 3,000-mile rowing test
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Geographic
an hour ago
- National Geographic
6 whisky distilleries to visit in Scotland this summer
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Pagoda chimneys rising above pine-forested glens, the babble of a highland spring, the distinctive aroma of toasted malt — distilleries are far more than functional factories. Often set in spectacular settings, they're crucibles of living, breathing Scottish heritage. And many invite visitors inside to view bubbling mash tuns, gleaming copper stills and warehouses filled with oak barrels, revealing the almost alchemical process that turns a few simple, local ingredients — barley, yeast, spring water — into fiery, golden spirits. Monasteries were Scotland's first de facto distilleries, putting rain-soaked grain to good use, with the earliest recorded mention of this 'water of life' (uisge beatha in Gaellic) dating from 1494. Today, there are over 150 active distilleries nationwide, falling into five officially recognised regions. Covering much of the mainland and islands, Highland is the largest and most diverse, while Speyside carves out a slice of the north east, and Lowlands lies just north of the English border. The peat-heavy Hebridean island of Islay gets its own designation, as does Campbeltown, a wee, southwesterly peninsula. Visitor experiences run the gamut from rustic, hard-hat tours to bespoke 'bottle your own single-malt cask' offerings — and some of these are seriously high-end. The Glenrothes private estate's multi-day experience, for example, costs a whopping £250,000. Most tastings will offer 'drivers' drams' — miniature pours — meaning whoever's behind the wheel doesn't miss out. And with more distilleries adding restaurants, bars or overnight stays, even Scotch sceptics can find something to savour. Book the Warehouse No 4 experience in Deanston's former cooperage for direct-from-cask tastings. Photograph by Euan Robertson Photography 1. Deanston Distillery, Doune, Perthshire Small in size, but big on character, Deanston's unpretentious, experimental attitude has resulted in waxy, honeyed, full-bodied drams with a cult following — including a 15-year-old single malt finished in tequila casks. Deanston even looks different to most distilleries — the red-brick, riverside buildings were in fact an 18th-century cotton mill, before they were converted to whisky-making in 1966. The place still hums with hydropower: one of the greenest scotch brands around, the whisky here is made from organic grain sourced from local farmers. Book the Warehouse No 4 experience, in Deanston's former cooperage, for direct-from-cask tastings and an atmospheric whisky-ageing education. Or compare some of its Master Blender's favourite, hard-to-find past releases on the Old & Rare Tasting. How to do it: £25 per person (Distillery Tour); £40 per person (Warehouse No 4 Experience); £130 per person (Old & Rare Tasting). The Macallan Mastery Experience tour concludes with a six-course tasting menu here. 2. The Macallan, Craigellachie, Moray There's a hint of Bond villain's lair about this Speyside distillery's sleek, subterranean architecture, which has been the brand's home since 2018, rippling beneath a wildflower-covered roof (fittingly, the 007 movies feature a few Macallan cameos). Within cathedral-height interiors, an interactive archive showcases 200 years of whisky-making heritage and limited-edition bottles, which resemble artworks. The central bar serves drams dating back 80 years, classic cocktails and tutored tastings — The Story of Oak, for instance, compares how sherry-seasoned casks impart Macallan's signature notes of dried fruits, ginger and cinnamon. Its culinary credentials are also next level: the team have collaborated with Spain's three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca at its fine-dining restaurant TimeSpirit, and The Macallan Mastery Experience tour concludes with a six-course tasting menu here. All this makes The Macallan the cream of Speyside visitor experiences — no mean feat given this region has the highest concentration of distilleries. How to do it: £50 per person (The Story of Oak); £250 per person (The Macallan Mastery Experience). While new expressions are maturing, aficionados can nose the distilleries new-make spirit and draw from a 1979 vintage cask on the Port Ellen Reborn tour. 3. Port Ellen, Islay Islay punches above its weight with powerful, peat-rich styles and nine active distilleries. Alongside established names like Lagavulin and Laphroaig, the buzz is all about Port Ellen: this Kilnaughton Bay landmark reopened in 2024 after a 40-year closure and £185m makeover. It's a dazzling, steel-and-glass temple to carbon-neutral whisky innovation, where handbuilt replicas of original copper stills stand beside the world's first 10-part spirit safe and a Scandi-chic, ocean-view tasting lounge. While new expressions are maturing, aficionados can nose the distilleries new-make spirit and draw from a 1979 vintage cask on the Port Ellen Reborn tour, uncovering the mineral, smoky soul of this phoenix-like brand. How to do it: Book well in advance for free, monthly open days (reservations essential); £250 per person (Port Ellen Reborn). 4. Talisker, Carbost, Isle of Skye Overlooking a sea loch on the myth-steeped Isle of Skye, Talisker's peaty whiskies are as rugged and elemental as its setting. Take the classic 10-Year-Old: a bracing ocean breeze on the nose, followed by black pepper and bonfire smoke. No wonder Talisker was one of Robert Louis Stevenson's reasons for calling whisky 'the king o' drinks'. Thanks to big investment from international drinks powerhouse Diageo, Talisker's raft of visitor experiences goes well beyond classic tours, including chocolate and whisky-pairing tastings, an offshoot of Michelin-recommended restaurant The Three Chimneys and a state-of-the-art visitor centre for multi-sensory storytelling about Talisker's wave-lashed heritage. Linger in the Campfire Bar for a dram or whisky-based cocktail — the venue sometimes hosts live folk music sets, too. How to do it: £20 per person (Talisker Made By The Sea Tasting Experience); £35 per person (Whisky & Chocolate Tasting). Out of all of Springbank's various tours and tastings, Barley to Bottle is the most hands-on, letting guests create their own bottle of whisky in the Blending Laboratory, followed by a seafood lunch. Photograph by Erik McRitchie Photography and Viktor Aerden Phorography 5. Springbank, Campbeltown, Argyll In its Victorian heyday, Campbeltown was hailed as the world's whisky capital and was home to 32 distilleries within one tiny patch of Argyll's Atlantic-lashed Kintyre Peninsula. That figure's now fallen to just three, making family-owned Springbank both survivor and standard-bearer — notably, it's one of Scotland's only distilleries to complete 100% of the whisky-making process on site, from floor malting to bottling. The briny, oily character of Springbank's signature single malt — layered with smoky, grassy notes — reflects its coastal location, and the original 1828 building is an atmospheric labyrinth of cobbled courtyards and coal-fired kilns. Out of its various tours and tastings, Barley to Bottle is the most hands-on, access-all-areas option, letting guests create their own bottle of whisky in the Blending Laboratory, followed by a seafood lunch. How to do it: £15 per person (standard tour); £250 per person (Barley to Bottle). 6. Auchentoshan, Clydebank, Glasgow With its delicate, floral profile, Auchentoshan's sometimes dubbed 'the breakfast whisky', as well as 'Glasgow's malt', since the city's only a 20-minute drive away. Whisky newbies and sweet tooths can often be converted by its lighter, creme brulee character. That silkiness and clarity is the result of triple distillation — a process Lowland whiskies are renowned for — and the Auchentoshan Ultimate Tour details each stage. The space itself is fittingly clean-lined, light-filled and refined, with windows framing the Kilpatrick Hills. How to do it: £20 per person (Origin Tour); £45 per person (Cask Exploration); £75 per person (Ultimate Tour). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Christie & Co appointed to list Banchory Lodge Hotel for $4.74m
Business property adviser Christie & Co is facilitating the sale of Banchory Lodge Hotel, a hospitality destination in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The property, which is on the market for £3.5m ($4.74m), encompasses 28 boutique ensuite bedrooms, each featuring contemporary Scottish interiors. Banchory Lodge Hotel is nestled within 7.5 acres of private grounds and offers a private lodge that provides six en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, and a dining room. This space is particularly suited for private parties interested in golfing activities that require exclusivity. Over the years, the Georgian estate has been maintained and updated to provide a destination for both leisure and corporate guests. The property has also established itself as a location for weddings and events. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant and bar, a 'sitooterie' with a large, covered terrace, cabins, and an outdoor kitchen. It caters to a diverse clientele, from those engaging in outdoor activities such as fishing, golfing, and cycling, to guests exploring the landscapes of Royal Deeside. Christie & Co Hotels director Gary Witham is overseeing the sale process. Gary Witham said: 'Banchory Lodge offers a modern, stylish hotel business with many different business strands. The appeal of the beautiful riverside grounds and 'sitooterie' makes this a must-visit for the region.' The announcement of Banchory Lodge Hotel's sale follows Christie & Co's recent facilitation of the Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel & Spa sale, highlighting the company's active role in the UK's hotel property market. "Christie & Co appointed to list Banchory Lodge Hotel for $4.74m" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Check out these upcoming 2025 Halton Hills festivals and special events
There's plenty of festivals and special events on tap in Halton Hills for residents and visitors alike this spring and summer. Here are the highlights: Celebrating its 50th year of Scottish tradition at the Georgetown Fairgrounds. More info at . This exciting street festival draws more than 5,000 attendees each year for a night filled with fun, food, shopping and entertainment. More info at . Shop the downtown outdoor vendor pedestrian mall for unique merchandise, arts, locally made crafts and exciting food offerings. Visit the kids zone, enjoy live music all day and engage with various street performers. More info at . The annual car show is a Georgetown staple. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., visit downtown Georgetown for a night of retro tunes, great eats and over 200 classic cars. More info at . The annual event at Trafalgar Sports Park features ribs, entertainment and a family-friendly kids zone. More info at . This year's theme is 'Making Farming Fabulous.' More info at . This craft beverage festival at Trafalgar Sports Park features beverages, food and entertainment. More info at . This annual event has a rich history going back to 1913. More info at The festivals and special events are compiled by Visit Halton Hills .
