Stranraer prepares to host international rowing competition
The countdown to an international rowing competition in Stranraer is underway.
Teams from around the world will travel to Dumfries and Galloway in July to compete in the Coastal Rowing World Championships.
The town will play host to the famous SkiffieWorlds which sees colourful, traditionally-styled boats race.
It's the first time the community has held the event since its launch ten years ago.
Each team hand-crafts their own vessel, inspired by a traditional wooden rowing boat from the Fair Isles.
Up to 1000 competitors from across the globe are expected to attend, with more than 70 skiffs participating in the races.
Organisers hope it will bring thousands of visitors to the area.
The 2000m race will be held on Loch Ryan - a large, sheltered stretch of water on the coast of the Irish Sea.
RH The Princess Royal is scheduled to attend the first day. She opened the World Championships in Ullapool in 2013.
Princess Anne has been involved in the Stranraer St Ayles Skiff Project since she unveiled a plaque in May 2017 to mark the start of work on the boathouse.
Wendi Cuffe, SkiffieWorlds 2019
The list of teams competing:
All Aboard Watersport – England
Alnmouth Community Rowing – England
Arran CRC
Ayle of Quinte Skiff Club – Canada
Broughty Ferry Boating
Bunillidh RC
Catterline CRC
Crail RC
Cumbrae CRC
Dundrum CRC – Northern Ireland
Eastern ACRC
Eskmuthe Rowing Club
Findhorn CRC
Firth of Clyde RC
Gourdon CRC
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, USA
Living Boat Trust – Tasmania
North Queensferry CRC
Orkney RC
Strangford CRC – Northern Ireland
Queensferry CRC
St Andrews CRC
Troon CRC
Ullapool CRC
WSV Woudrichem, Holland
The event runs from 8-13 July.