ARRIVING at the loch's edge, I'm delighted to see the water is calm and the sun has risen above a the water is nearby hill.
On the opposite shore, a line of trees and bushes reflect on to the mirror-like surface.
A couple of ducks move slowly towards an area thick with reeds and, overhead, I spot the obvious forked tail of a red kite.
I take in the peaceful surroundings, breathe deeply and feel my body and mind relax. I turn to my friends, Susanna and Alice, and we smile at each other, happily chatting about the warmth of the morning sun on our faces.
Finding a sheltered spot among trees, we take off our outer clothing layers. I'm already wearing a swimming costume and in my rucksack I have a neoprene vest, gloves and socks, which I pull on.
My friends wear only their swimsuits, plus neoprene gloves and socks.
We all have brightly coloured safety floats, which we attach around our waists.
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av The Scots Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av The Scots Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Unst To Orbit
Shetland's spaceport is set to take Europe by storm, launching rockets to the stratosphere
Just Passing Through
A tale of the unexpected unfolds at dawn in a Stirlingshire glen as a rare, shy creature slips out of the shadows
Brigadoon Revisited
An affectionate look back at the low budget \"synthetic Scotch\" movie that still sparkles in the mist, 70 years on
A Brand New Opening
The Scots Magazine revisits the Old Course in St Andrews almost 70 years on and celebrates recent progress in welcoming women
Kenmore's Crossroads
Fury over a luxury redevelopment at the Perthshire village made news headlines around the world but is the tide of popular opinion turning?
Seeing Double!
Sam Heughan's Outlander body double, lain Wilkie, shares stories about his experiences on and off screen
The Story & The Song
With a soundtrack to a Shetland tale, author and musician Malachy Tallack blends his artistic passions in his latest venture
A Rebirth From The Earth
Erland Cooper's intriguing project has given nature and two determined fans a hand in shaping and bringing his new album to light
Nip Of Champions
Whisky has long been associated with moments of triumph, including a recent example of clever sporting motivation
The Waterside Hotel
A spectacular spot on the stunning Ayrshire coast
