Barra bairns awarded for SCIAF fundraiser

Five young cousins from Barra have been awarded for their SCIAF fundraising efforts in the BBC’s Duaisean Dèan Diofar (Make a Difference) Awards.

Back in March they battled wild weather to raise an amazing £4823 for families half a world away, as part of SCIAF’s annual WEE BOX appeal.

The cousins clocked up more than 60km in 60 minutes, to represent the 6 decades SCIAF has been active. Lewis Irving and Scott Campbell were up first and cycled from St Mary's Church on Benbecula to the Ferry terminal to Barra. Despite the very windy, challenging conditions, the boys managed to cycle the full 50km route in their 60 minutes.  

Next up were the swimmers: Ross Irving and Robbie Campbell. They were hoping to swim across Castlebay bay, but the weather was appalling. So, they took to the community pool doing hundreds of lengths instead! They swam a whopping 5.4km. 

Last but not least was 14-year-old Rowan Campbell who battled hailstones and hurricane style winds to run 12.5k, finishing at Barra’s beach airport. 

At the time, Runner Rowan Campbell said:

“Oh the weather was really bad. I’m raising money for SCIAF for people in Ethiopia who don’t have access to water like we do and are less fortunate than us.” 

Their incredible efforts have now been recognised by BBC Scotland, with the group scooping the BBC Radio nan Gaidheal ‘Making a Difference’ award and featuring in a dedicated programme aired recently.

Mairi Campbell, mum to Rowan, Robbie and Scott said:

“As a family we are hugely proud and inspired by the children’s eagerness and enthusiasm to raise money for those less fortunate and raise the profile of the amazing work of SCIAF. True to form they are already working on a challenge for next year and I would expect bigger and better!" 

Canon Michael Hutson, Parish Priest at St Mary's Griminish in Benbecula, said:

"I'm really proud of the five young people from Barra who have done such excellent work. They wanted to do something meaningful and active for Lent to show how WEE island communities can make a BIG difference.”