River Lossie the winner as only five finish annual race

MOST OF THE FIELD in the annual Lossiemouth Raft Race found things pretty hard going on Sunday in the face of a strong incoming tide and high wind.

That resulted in just a handful of makeshift vessels managing to reach the finish line – but it did not deter the RAF Lossiemouth Police Dog Section, who won the event on a boat built from oil drums and crossed fingers!

Around 3000 spectators turned out on a glorious day to watch 19 teams line up under the Seatown Bridge – but only five return to the same spot. At least one raft fell to bits before it even had a chance to cross the start line.

Running a close second was race debutants MFR Cash for Kids, while the experienced past winners, the Steamboat Inn, finished in third place. The other finishers were 1(F) Squadron and a credible fifth place for ‘The Spitfire Sirens’ from RAF Lossiemouth, an all-girl team that perfectly captured the fun of the day and who also won the fancy dress contest.

“The raft race was a great success again this year,” Flight Lieutenant Ollie Harbridge, who was head of the race committee comented. He added: “I’m obviously happy that a RAF Lossiemouth team won and I think the friendly competition helped to make this year’s event the most enjoyable yet.

“It was however a shame that most of the rafts didn’t make it to the finish, with only five teams making the finishing line.

“I would like to thank the local businesses and residents of Lossiemouth for their continued support, for their patience during the disruption of the day – and their generous donations that have enabled us yet again to raise so much money for charity and put on this community event with such success.

“The money raised will be split equally between MFR Cash For Kids and the Make a Wish Foundation. These were chosen to ensure two local charities receive all the benefits from the generosity of local people.”

Gallery of images from the 2015 RAF Lossiemouth Raft Race: