Two county rowers are set to embark on an epic three-month trip around the coast of Scotland. . . in a timber-built St Ayles Skiff.

Frazer Macdonald Hay and Ian Baird, both members of North Berwick Rowing Club, aim to depart from Eyemouth on May 1.

The plan is to head westwards, alongh the Firth of Forth, before joining the Forth and Clyde Canal as they make their way to the west coast in their clockwise circumnavigation of Scotland.

The duo aim to finish their challenge in North Berwick in September.

While 45-year-old Frazer admits it will be a tough task, it is one he is relishing.

He told the Courier: “I think it is a bit of a romantic idea, and it’s been stuck in my head. The opportunity has come around now, and I thought ‘Why not?’. We’re hoping it will catch the attention of other rowers, who will get involved and help us out.” The duo – Frazer is from North Berwick, while Ian, 32, lives in East Linton and is managing director of Knowes Farm Shop – are hoping to recruit three rowers from clubs across Scotland, in order to help them on their mammoth journey.

“Ian and I will go from club to club and we’re hoping that they will provide a cox who knows the local waters, and they’ll stay with us until we reach the next club,” Frazer added.

“We’re hoping that people want to get involved, and the idea is to get everyone who is involved, in whatever way, to sign the boat, so when we hand it back to the Berwickshire Maritime Trust, who’ve given us the boat, they have something unique.” The pair have given themselves three months to complete the trip but they are not putting timescales on their journey.

He said: “We both know that it’s a tall order, but there’s the will and the ambition to do it. I think three months is more than enough time, but we just have to be careful.” Frazer, who has been taking to the water for the past 20 years, believes there is much to be gained from travelling the country to compete in coastal rowing competitions.

He added: “It is a great community of people. I’ve met people [rowing] that I never would have met otherwise, and you meet some great characters.” To follow the journey, visit the Facebook page skiffaroundscotland