MORE than 800 people braved a chilly Loch Lomond in a brand new swimming challenge.

The inaugural Go Swim Loch Lomond was hailed a huge success on Saturday, September 7.

Children, pensioners and everyone else in-between pulled on their wetsuits and swim caps to enjoy the day.

The event saw swimmers tackle varying distances, starting at 250 metres, with more experienced participants conquering up to 10,000m.

The youngest swimmer in the water was seven, while the eldest was 75.

The organisers of the Go Swim event stepped in after the plug was pulled on the Great Scottish Swim which had previously taken place on the loch.

READ MORE: New event to take the place of Great Scottish Swim on Loch Lomond

Richard Pearson, event director, said: “Smiley happy faces were abundant as swimmers completed their own personal open water challenges.

"We must thank our group of volunteers and our swim safety team who make this type of event possible and safe for everyone to enjoy. They did a wonderful job of welcoming everyone and keeping swimmers safe.

"Thanks must also go to EventScotland and Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park whose support has been vital in establishing Go Swim Loch Lomond. The National Park Ranger service were superb in supporting the delivery of our first Go Swim event.

"Final thanks goes to our event delivery partners LOMO, who provided huge support in course setting and safety support.

"We hope to establish Go Swim Loch Lomond as Scotland’s premier mass participation open water swimming event and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Drumkinnnon Bay on 29th August 2020.”

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The day also saw a swim-run Aquathlon event, sanctioned by Triathlon Scotland, enjoyed by around 100 athletes.

Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said “Loch Lomond is a world class open water swimming venue and has provided an incredible backdrop for the hundreds of people who took the plunge at Go Swim Loch Lomond.

"As we look forward to the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, the event has highlighted the many fantastic opportunities for open water swimming and other water-based activities around Loch Lomond and the wider National Park.

"Well done and thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the event such a success.”

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Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “EventScotland was delighted to support Go Swim Loch Lomond in its first year.

"It was great to see so many taking part, carrying on the open water swimming legacy of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships.

"Set against such a stunning backdrop for participants and spectators alike to enjoy, Loch Lomond reaffirmed its reputation the perfect stage for such an event.”

For further information, prices and to enter a swim at Go Swim Loch Lomond 2020 visit http://go-swim.uk/