One of Tayside’s longest-running fundraising institutions has been resurrected after it was cancelled at the peak of its success.
Kirriemuir’s Splash relay swim raised almost £200,000 for aid organisations over 25 years but was cancelled last year due to several long-time committee members standing down at the same time.
However, the annual swimathon will return in September after a year’s hiatus.
A spokesman for the organisers said: “2016 will mark the 26th year of the Splash event.
“In that time over £180,000 has been raised for Scottish and worldwide charities, making it one of Tayside’s longest-running and most successful fundraisers.
“Since 1990 more than 7,500 swimmers have taken part in the event and with the relaunch of Splash this year we are hoping to raise a record-breaking amount.
“Details on how to register will come out later in the year but in the meantime join the event’s Facebook page at Kirriemuir Splash to stay up to date with news.”
On Saturday September 24 teams from the town and beyond will take part in a fun afternoon of relay swimming at Webster’s Sports Centre to raise money for local charities and good causes.
Teams of six to eight swimmers, aged six years and over, will compete to see who can swim the most lengths in relay over 25 minutes.
There are trophies for community, school and club categories and the Splash shield for the fastest overall time.
Several long-serving key members of the organising committee decided to end their service to Splash last year.
Organisers said cancelling the event at the peak of its success was the “last thing” they expected.
Charities for direct funding in 2014 included Erskine Scotland, Pelotas Children’s Home Brazil, Special Olympics, Alzheimer Scotland (Angus), Operacion San Andres Peru, Edinburgh Sick Kids, Children’s Diabetes Aberdeen, KIVA Loans, Sightsavers West Africa and Christian Aid.
The unfailing generosity of people and firms in Tayside has earned heartfelt thanks from these charities especially favoured children’s aid organisations in third world countries.
Last year alone almost £10,000 was allocated to the four Kirriemuir churches named as Splash sponsors.