A GROUP of swimmers from East Lothian, called the ‘Swimming 60s’, took the plunge and swam the length of Loch Lomond.

Muriel Campbell, Linda Malcolm, Meg Maitland and Meg Ennis, who are all in their 60s, completed their swim on August 20.

They started at Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, at 4.10am, swimming the first two legs with glow sticks attached to their hats and costumes, with two of the team wearing swimsuits and two wearing wetsuits.

Accompanied by a kayak and a boat, the group swam more than 21 miles as a relay. They swam in turn until they reached the finish line at Ardlui at about 7.20pm.

Meg Maitland told the Courier: “We completed the swim without any problems apart from some strong currents midway.

“The loch was very calm and varied in temperature between 16-18 degrees, much warmer than our training temperatures in the sea.”

All the swimmers agreed it was a fantastic swim in a beautiful location. They wanted to highlight the benefits of open water swimming and prove you can achieve anything at any age.

Two of the team swam in aid of JDRF diabetes charity, raising more than £5,300.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/muriel-campbell1.

The swimmers would like to thank their friends and families who donated and supported them in the challenge.