Major Mick brings his Tintanic rowing challenge to Scotland

A retired Army major has brought his Tintanic challenge to Scotland as he continues his bid to row 100 miles around the country.

“Major Mick” Michael Stanley completed a previous 100-mile rowing challenge at 2mph twice a week along the Chichester Canal in December 2020, raising more than £44,000 for his local hospice.

The 80-year-old, from West Wittering, West Sussex then sold his original Tintanic boat for £480 for charity.

He has now arrived in Scotland in his new and improved boat, named Tintanic II, in his bid to row another 100 miles in 20 locations around the country to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research.

On Friday, he rowed along the Kyle of Sutherland, the northernmost part of his trip.

He told PA: “It was a wonderful day with clean air, blue skies, deep brown peaty water and no-one to be seen. A magical row in the most beautiful countryside one could find.”

The veteran will next head to Loch Ness where he “hopes to see Nessie”, before heading to Edinburgh then returning to England for the final stages of the challenge.

Mr Stanley, who served in The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards for 35 years, used his previous venture to raise £44,000 for the St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Bosham, West Sussex, and is now collecting funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.