AN INCREDIBLE journey across the Atlantic Ocean has been recognised in both the Scottish and UK Parliaments.

Ian Baird, Duncan Hughes, Ross McKinney and Clive Rooney, of North Berwick, along with Dunkeld’s Fraser Potter, rowed 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua in 36 days, three hours and 33 minutes.

The team – called Five In A Row – took on the gruelling challenge to raise money for Reverse Rett.

Team member Ross’s daughter Eliza lives with Rett syndrome, which is a neurological condition which most often strikes previously healthy girls between their first and second birthdays, leaving them with multiple disabilities and complexities for life.

The fundraiser collected nearly £50,000 for the good cause and Kenny MacAskill, East Lothian’s MP, and Paul McLennan, the county’s MSP, highlighted the success.

Both politicians submitted motions, which have been backed by colleagues.

Mr MacAskill’s motion reads: “That this House congratulates Ian Baird, Duncan Hughes, Ross McKinney, Fraser Potter and Clive Rooney of North Berwick Coastal Rowing Club, known as Five In A Row, for finishing in third place in the 2021 Talisker Atlantic Challenge; understands that the five men completed the 3,000-mile journey from La Gomera in Spain to Antigua in the Caribbean in 36 days, three hours and 33 minutes, each taking turns to have two hours of sleep; notes that the group finished third out of 36 boats, and describe the journey as the hardest thing they have ever done, as falling from the boat would have been fatal as the craft could not be turned around fast enough to find a crew member in the darkness; commends the fundraising efforts that the group made to get them to the starting line, with additional funds raised to be given to the charity Reverse Rett; and wishes the group the best of luck in their futures.”

While Mr McLennan’s motion, which was backed by Musselburgh’s MSP Colin Beattie, and South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield, reads: “That the Parliament congratulates North Berwick rowers in team, Five InA Row, on their incredible feat in crossing the finishing line and coming third in one of the world’s toughest rowing events, the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge; notes that the challenge saw the team row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, taking 36

days, three hours and 33 minutes; understands that the team raised £35,690 for Reverse Rett, which is a charity focused on advocacy and research to help to deliver treatments and a cure for Rett syndrome; and congratulates team members Ian Baird, Duncan Hughes, Ross McKinney, Clive Rooney and Fraser Potter on their accomplishment.”