Two people have successfully rowed from one side of Scotland to the other in aid of two local charities.

Anna and Rob Johnstone, Salcombe, started in Ardgour and rowed to Inverness, via Lochs Lochy, Oich, Ness, Dochfour and the Caledonian Canal, a 70 mile journey in just three days.

The intent was to row back again, but the Scottish weather had other ideas, so Anna and Rob have returned home with very tired arms.

The couple, who are part of Salcombe Estuary Rowing Club, want to “give back to the local community” in return for all the local support the rowing club has received over the years, and raising the profile of rowing with a pair of paddles in small boats.

They wrote on their JustGiving page: “We are extraordinarily lucky to call South Devon home and have decided to support causes that are striving to improve this area for everyone in the local community.”?They raised money for South Hams Area Wellbeing (SHAW), a not-for-profit organisation which aims to help enable and educate local individuals to be resilient in their own wellbeing, and Kingsbridge and Saltstone Caring (KASC), an organisation that promotes the independence, physical and mental well-being of older, isolated or vulnerable people living in Kingsbridge, Salcombe and the surrounding area.

Rob kept everyone up-to-date with the challenge as they went along, via social media. On the first day he posted: “Mission accomplished Ardgour to Letter Finlay 24 miles. Left at 09.15 arrived 16.45. All good and lock keepers very helpful, portage around Neptune’s staircase to save time.

“Problems with locks at Fort Augustus so could be a bit too challenging and could spoil progress. We will see. Still winning!”?Day two saw him write: “Mission accomplished. Half way along Loch Ness. With luck will complete Scotland crossing tomorrow. Inverness here we come.”

The third and final day he wrote: “Mission accomplished. Arrived in Inverness mid afternoon. Forecast windy and prevailing westerly so unfortunately impossible to make same progress and get to B&B’s on time on return journey. ?“So that is it. 70 miles across Scotland on the amazing Cally Canal. Experience of a lifetime. Thoroughly recommend to anyone with a small spirit of adventure. Everyone here so friendly and helpful.”

So far, Anna and Rob have raised £1,000 to be split between the two causes, with more donations still coming in. If you want to donate, visit the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/row-across-scotland.