'Solo Round Scotland may be an 'amateur' adventure in its truest sense but it is as professional and daring in its execution as many a large scale international expedition'. Extract from Foreword by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, OBE In April 2006 the author became the first person to single-handedly circumnavigate Scotland by boat and bike. Setting out on this ultimate adventure from Kirkcudbright on the Solway Firth, Alan sailed around Scotland on a 50-foot yacht to the north-east coast of England. After 16 exhausting days on the yacht, he then cycled 163 miles back to the starting point in Kirkcudbright. The 1000-mile voyage took Alan in the yacht Pegasus to the wild open Atlantic Ocean passing Islay, Barra Head, St Kilda, North Rona and round Muckle Flugga, the most northerly point of the UK, before landing at Blyth, Northumberland. The cycle trip crossed England and brought Alan back into Scotland at Gretna and from there he followed the Solway coastal route back to the church gates in Kirkcudbright. This herculean challenge required detailed planning and attracted over 20 people into the support team including an Olympic weather router, an Olympic sail-maker, a round-the-world skipper, a renowned sleep management specialist and a multiple champion in Scottish sailing. The motivation behind the trip came from Alan's deep-rooted desire to take on a challenge that would test his skills, resolve, stamina and sheer willpower to get the job done. It also provided him with an opportunity to raise money for two charities - the Parkinson's Disease Society and Ocean Youth Trust Scotland which will both benefit from sales of this book. Solo Round Scotland is an account of the whole experience at sea and on the road. Alan vividly tells the story of preparing for the challenge and also experiences such as when he was beset with gear failure and was forced to take the wheel for 12 hours in force 8 gales. This exhilarating story follows the highs and lows as Alan battles to achieve his goal of becoming the first person to circumnavigate Scotland by boat and bike. For further background on Alan's challenge, please visit www.soloroundscotland.com

About the Author
Alan is a past chair of Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, has twice won the Scottish Islands Three Peaks Race, was seven times the Scottish decathlon champion and an international athlete. He was also Director at Discovery Point, Dundee; Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Forum and in 2007 he became Chief Executive, Aviemore and Cairngorms Destination Management Limited.

Reviews
'...a well-organised photographic journal of how the author achieved his goals and also serves as a practical guide for adventurers.' Scotland Outdoors '...provides a throughly good read for even the most determinded of landlubbers.' Scottish Island Explorer 'Well illustrated with a variety of photographs ... this book will be of special interest to those driven to take on great challenges. It may also attract many with a fascination with sailing and cycling under preasure...' The Nautical Magazine 'The author's passion for the history of the seas and the harsh reality of maritime Scotland is very apparent... ...This is a well-organised photographic journal of how the author achieved his goals and also serves as a practical guide for adventurers in any discipline who approach their challenges with the seriousness they deserve.' Scotland Outdoors



Book Information
ISBN 9781849950039
Author Alan Rankin
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Whittles Publishing
Publisher Whittles Publishing