A trio of Scottish world record-breaking rowing brothers have joined forces with their famous father to launch a new charity.
The Maclean Foundation, which has been founded by Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean alongside their dad Charles Maclean MBE, will raise funds for clean water projects through adventures and collaboration with the whisky industry.
To launch the charity, the brothers set off on Saturday on a human-powered journey rowing, running and cycling between all the Scottish malt whisky distilleries currently selling whisky.
During the trip, which the Edinburgh-born trio hope to complete in two weeks, they will visit 120 distilleries to raise awareness for their campaign and to collect donated casks which they will independently bottle to fund clean water projects.
In 2020, they became the first three brothers to row any ocean, as well as the fastest and youngest trio to row across the Atlantic Ocean.
With 35 days at sea to think about their futures, and as their charity fundraising efforts ramped up to more than £205,000, the brothers began to plan their family foundation.
Then, their purpose became clear during a trip to see clean water boreholes they previously funded in Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in Africa, when all three became ill through contact with dirty water and were treated for parasitic worms.
Youngest brother Lachlan, who now lives in Glasgow, said: ‘When we got ill, we had access to a free health service back home – Malagasy people don’t have that luxury.
‘Clean water is something we all need to live. It is an essential building block to bringing communities out of poverty.
‘Waterborne diseases typically kill more people each year than all forms of violence, with most of these deaths being children under the age of five.
‘Through our Foundation, we will help to widen access to the most basic necessities of clean water and sanitation to those who need it.’
Jamie, who is currently living in Edinburgh, added: ‘Early on during our row, we realised this would be the start of something much bigger.
‘At sea, we faced 30-foot waves, sleep deprivation, sharks and complete exhaustion – it made you think about what really mattered.
‘We also realised what was possible when we worked together towards a goal. We thought a lot about our purpose when we were on the water, and since. I think we’ve found it.
‘We were very lucky to have the start in life that we did. Everyone, no matter where you’re from, deserves a fair chance at a happy, healthy life.’
Edinburgh-based Charlie, an author of 18 books who starred in the Angels’ Share, said: ‘I continue to be so immensely proud of my sons.
‘When they shared their idea, I couldn’t think of anything more perfect; the chance to work together, combining our passions for whisky and adventure to make a real impact on people’s lives.
‘They showed us that anything is possible during their row.
‘We believe we can achieve something very special together, with the help of Scotland’s wonderful whisky industry which I’ve been proud to be part of for decades.’
The trio kicked-off their journey between Scotland’s distilleries from Skye on Saturday.
Between them, the brothers will travel 2,000 miles by bike and 150 nautical miles across some of the most challenging bodies of water in the British Isles.
Each bottle sold from their eventual haul will provide at least one person with clean water for life.
Ewan, a design engineer for Dyson in Bristol, added: ‘Our Foundation is all about combining our passions for adventure and whisky to support people.
‘We’re excited to get back behind the oars to make an impact. While there are no world records at stake this time, it won’t be easy.
‘It’s a great opportunity to launch the charity while introducing our Foundation to the people of Scotland’s whisky industry.
‘What’s more, as we are planning another ocean row, it will make for perfect training.
‘We want to make a real lasting impact through our work – this is our purpose, our new focus.’
The MacLean Foundation (SC051703) is a registered Scottish charity that exists to create positive change through compassion and the spirit of adventure.
Read more on Scottish Field’s News pages.
Plus, don’t miss the September issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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