Kessock Ferry Swim will be taking a break in 2026

Watch the video below for a big announcement on the 2026 swim event. We'll be back in 2027 to keep this amazing local tradition alive!

So as it says in the video, we've decided we have to take a year off in 2026. In short the reasons are:

• We need a very precise tidal window to make the event safe. As you all know the Kessock Narrows demands respect - this little stretch of water can have very serious consequences in the wrong conditions. The date has to fit a long list of criteria (optimal tidal range, High Water time close to middle of a weekend day, daylight hours, warmer average water temperatures but not during Highland summer holidays, avoid clashes with other events, avoid clash with our own charitable youth activities). In 2026 there just isn't a date which fits with all the criteria.
• We need time to figure out a slightly different format for the event. It has to be financially sustainable for our small charity in the long run. The original event ran from 1946 to sometime in the late 1960's - around twenty years. Our ambition is to keep the modern tradition alive for at least as long. Looking back we had 3 perfect weather years from 2022 - 2024, then the huge disappointment of the cancellation in 2025. We got through that by the skin of our teeth, and only because of huge goodwill from swimmers, suppliers and sponsors. We can't expect the KFS community to continue on that basis year after year. We'll be working away in the background throughout 2026 to adapt plans and make the event more resilient - watch this space, and we'll be back in touch next year!

We're always keen to hear from anyone with suggestions or feedback - please give us a ring on the office or email swim@aban.scot. Massive thanks to everyone who's helped us since the beginning - here's to the future!