Rowing teams from Scotland joined those from all over the UK for a race from Dumbarton up the Clyde.

The Castle to Crane Race takes place over a 13 mile course from Dumbarton Castle up to the Finnieston Crane in Glasgow, as part of the Clydebuilt Festival.

Groups from County Down, Northern Ireland, Devon, England, Lewis and Orkney travelled to face the challenge.

Robbie Wightman, race director, said: “They all came through smiling and enjoyed themselves. It’s a great journey to be on going up the Clyde.”

A total of 75 boats took part in the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association event with each carrying three to five people.

The race is no mean feat, with the section under the Titan Crane in Clydebank described as like “rowing through concrete”.

Vessels ranged from the massive eight oared Birlinn “Orcuan”, the flagship of GalGael, the social enterprise and charity that is organising the Clydebuilt Festival, down to the delicate coxed double sculls.

There was a gusty headwind on the day that made the journey even more challenging.

The race starts with the rower surrounded by hills, castles and countryside, becoming bumpy where the River Leven meets the Clyde.

Further upstream, the vessels pass under the Erskine bridge before travelling alongside the remnants of industry, with huge cranes dominating the banks, and current dockworks.

Finally it comes to an end in the heart of Glasgow, beneath the Finnieston Crane.

The fastest crew over the course was from Greenock, but Carrick Coastal Rowing Club lifted the Median Trophy.

Robbie added: “The Clyde is an under-used bit of water, and it is lovely to bring some life back to it.

“It is a really big deal. It’s the biggest annual event we do.”

He jokes that the race is the largest gathering of coastal rowing boats on the Clyde since the Battle of Largs in 1263.

Robbie said: “The whole thing wouldn’t be possible without the friendly help of the Sandpoint Marina, who host our fleet overnight in advance of the race, and allow us to use their launch facilities.

“We’re hoping there will be a Dumbarton crew next year.”

The Castle to Crane race will be return in September 2020.

The race is open to any fixed seat, coxed rowing boats of at least four oars.

Pictures by Daren Borzynski and Steve Thomson