Flotilla fun is Clyde-built to raise cash

Scotland’s top baker Sir Boyd Tunnock has led a charity fundraiser that really takes the biscuit against the backdrop of a glorious sunny day on the River Clyde.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jun 2021, 16:16 BST
Boyd Tunnock took to the Clyde on Bank Holiday Monday 31st May as part of a flotilla to raise awareness of the RNLI.Boyd Tunnock took to the Clyde on Bank Holiday Monday 31st May as part of a flotilla to raise awareness of the RNLI.
Boyd Tunnock took to the Clyde on Bank Holiday Monday 31st May as part of a flotilla to raise awareness of the RNLI.

Boyd, 88, sailed down the river on Monday May (31) on a yacht named after his world-famous caramel wafers.

He skippered his 38-ft boat Lemarac - caramel spelt backwards - at the head of a spectacular flotilla of more than 200 vessels in aid of lifeboat charity the RNLI

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Boyd, a sailor for nearly 60 years, said: "I'm thrilled that we've managed to pull this off.

Boyd Tunnock leads the flotillaBoyd Tunnock leads the flotilla
Boyd Tunnock leads the flotilla

"The flotilla has been a dream of mine for more than 10 years and I'm delighted to see it coming to fruition.

“The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the lifeblood of sailing.

"It relies on donations and funds have been depleted due to Covid. It’s great to be able to give something back.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The spectacle was organised by the largest sailing club in Scotland, the Clyde Cruising Club - Boyd has been a member for 50 years.

He added: “I’m so grateful to the club for bringing everyone together. The flotilla is a sight to behold, it really is.

"It's such a glorious day here and I'm delighted at the turn out.

"This is a spectacle never before seen on the Clyde.

"It's such a positive thing to do at a social distance given the year we've just had.”

At the last count more than £10,000 had been raised.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: “It’s a substantial amount and the money is still rolling in which is great.

The flotilla departed from three muster points, at Helensburgh, Kip Marina and Gourock, and Boyd led a salute to the RNLI at 2pm.

And there were Tunnock’s goodies on board to keep the crews happy when they fancied a sweet treat!

The Clyde Cruising Club’s Vice Commodore Geoff Crowley said: “Given the restrictions, the event has been a fantastic success and we are grateful for all the support.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Alison Byers, of the RNLI in Scotland, said: “We’re very grateful to the Clyde Cruising Club and to Boyd Tunnock for organising the Tunnock’s Flotilla and, in turn, raising vital funds.

"It’s a really lovely spectacle after a year of lockdowns and it’s exciting to see people out enjoying the water.”

To donate see www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tunnocks-flotilla-the-great-clyde-cruise-for-rnli

Related topics:Scotland

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.