Life on an Ocean Wave and enjoying the beautiful scenery while keeping fit are among the many benefits behind coastal rowing.

The boom in the leisure activity has certainly not gone unnoticed on the Isle of Cumbrae where islanders take their chance to enjoy the surrounding waters and sometimes go on trips to Wee Cumbrae.

The Cumbrae Coastal Rowing Club was established in 2012 and they use the St Ayles skiff “Cumbrae” following a fundraising drive to purchase the boat, which was built on Millport.

The boat was built by a number of islanders including Sandy Morton and David Connell, as rowing was growing in popularity, and the necessary sponsorship was raised, including a row between Millport and Wee Cumbrae.

Chairman Austen Currie said: "We have around 20 active members and we try and row around three times per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, and Sundays at 2pm, on Newton Sands, just outside the Newton Bar. It would be good if we could boost our members, and we can discuss the boat with them, and work close at hand with them if you want to join us onboard.

"The club includes all ages, and some parents bring their children, and skiff racing is very much a thriving scene at the moment, so it is good to be involved."

The Cumbrae Coastal Rowing Club have organised rowing regatta competitions during the recent Sail and Oar festivals on Millport, and are hoping to do so again this August.

The world championships skiff race takes place this summer in Northern Ireland, and Austen hopes some islanders will join neighbouring clubs at Largs and other areas, to put together a local west of Scotland team for the event.

On some occasions, the Rowing Club row across to Wee Cumbrae, which takes around 45 minutes, and get an opportunity to take photos and enjoy the island's tranquility.

Austen said: "It is good exercise and fresh air! The club ranges from children as young as 6-7 years of age, to people in their 60s, and Sunday is very much a fun day event for all the family to get involved."

For more details, go to Cumbrae Coastal Rowing Club on Facebook. Photos by Karen Brodie.