About Fiona

Fiona began swimming outside at a young age, first in the south of England and then in rather warmer waters in Singapore. On her return to the UK Fiona joined a local Surf Life Saving club and spent many a happy hours lifeguarding the beach at Gunwalloe Church Cove, Cornwall.

Fast-forwards a few decades and a big break from cold water swimming and Fiona moved to the Scottish Highlands, where she met Alice. Initially Fiona was reluctant to try the chilly Scottish waters said that Alice would NEVER get her into the loch but was very happy to help keep an eye on Alice as she swam, bake cakes and fill up hot water bottles when hands were too shaky!

That was until one beautifully hot sunny day after the first Covid-19 lockdown when Alice needed a swim buddy. Fiona finally decided that this was the time to give it a go and enjoyed her much needed cool down in Loch Insh. It didn’t take long before Fiona was completely hooked and gradually took over from Alice in coordinating two of the local Cairngorms swim groups.

The rest, as they say, is HISTORY!!

Fiona is a natural organiser and helps with many SwimWild events. If you have been to one you have probably seen her manning the SwimWild shop, helping cook the BBQ, or bossing people around (she can be a bit bossy!!) Mostly she adores the camaraderie, friendship and community spirit.

Picking up responsibility for the SwimWild shop is an additional string to Fiona’s bow. Keeping track of stock levels to ensure that all orders can be completed is a new challenge keeping her brain active in Old Age. The best bit is bringing the shop out into the community and meeting all the lovely caring crazy swimmers!

Fiona’s Favourite Swim Locations –

Fiona has many, many favourite swim spots close to home in the Cairngorms … Loch an Eilein for the “swim around the Castle”, Loch Insh for swimming with her “best buddies” and the River Feshie when the water is crystal clear. There are also a few secret swim spots locally that she loves, but she is not going to tell anyone about them (but she might take you if you come and visit!)

Fiona’s favourite spot of all, to date, is Loch Arkaig. Far, far away to the west along a winding undulating single track road is the spot where she wanted to just keep swimming … with Alice!

What does Fiona do when she is not running the SwimWild shop and helping at SwimWild events?

Fiona lives a life full of impossibly wonderful things including knitting, crotchet, gardening and gliding with her pilot husband Phil who is also the worlds Best Swim Sherpa!

Together they make marvellous hats and decorate a post box opposite the Old Post Office café in Kincraig.

Hats can be viewed here! West Terrace Woollens

Fiona also coordinates the local (informal) swim groups –

Cairngorms Wild Swimmers (anyone can join, visitors and new swimmers are very welcome!)

Loch Insh Dippers (local swimmers & regular visitors only) –

If you are not on facebook or would like more information, please contact Fiona for information on local group swim meet-ups.

Fiona’s Biggest Swimming Achievement?

Swimming her first mile and getting her RLSS water safety qualifications which have furnished her with the knowledge to be able to help other cold water swimmers.