Firth of Clyde Coastal rowers turned back the clock for a special event last weekend.

Bob Dawson, spokesman for Firth of Clyde Coastal Rowing, described the scene:

"In 1626 a group rowed across the Solway Firth from Annan, a notorious stretch of water with currents that can exceed a galloping horse, they stole the bell from the church in Bowness , a total insult in those times however due to an excess of alcohol the bell was lost in the water, its eerie ring still said to be heard at times . In revenge St Michaels bell was replaced by a raid on two churches at Annan, tradition holds the minister from the Scottish town annually makes a request to have their bell back, this is politely refused.

"This being the backdrop to the Bell Ringers Raid , Sunday saw Firth of Clyde Coastal Rowing club (FOCCR) take part in the 4th annual raid departing Annan harbour with both Annan skiffs and one from Alnmouth making the trip along the River Annan and out into the open water to invade England.

"With kilts , tartans and magnificent banners we land on English soil to claim the bell, however the dastardly townsfolk are aware we are coming and have readied an army to attempt to repel us conscripts from the local schools hit us with never ending blasts from their super soakers.

"A fun day is ended by locals providing invasion force with soup,sandwiches and cakes a plenty before we row back to home soil bell safely on board."

This was day two of a rowing event hosted by Annan Harbour Action group ,Saturday being more conventional rowing with pursuit races on the Annan river, FOCCR in Thistle claimed first place and gold medals in one the two main races Open Mixed category over approx 4k."

Over the same weekend a group of three made the trip over to Strangford Lough in Ireland to take part in a big two day coastal rowing regatta ,early reports are despite not taking a skiff they joined composite teams.

David one of the rising junior stars bagged 1st place and gold rowing in a mixed under 17 race and discovering great Coxing abilities claimed a second gold medal steering an over 60 Renegade team to victory.

Unfazed by all this activity our second skiff Saltire was active on our home shores with crews enjoying a regular club outing out and about from Largs Yacht Haven. To have a go hassle free and at zero cost contact Firth Of Clyde Coastal rowing via Website or Facebook.