We Are Story ShopThree Scottish brothers have arrived home to the welcome news that they have raised £1m through their record-breaking row across the Pacific Ocean.
Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan Maclean set a world record for the fastest human-powered crossing of the Pacific Ocean when they arrived in the Australian city of Cairns on August 30.
Their arrival marked the end of the 139-day, five-hour and 52-minute journey crossing the world’s largest ocean after setting off from Lima in Peru on April 12.
The trio, from Edinburgh, set off on the adventure to raise £1m for The Maclean Foundation – the clean water charity the brothers founded with their father, whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE.
The brothers shared a picture of their emotional return to Scotland on Wednesday, celebrating reaching their ambitious fundraising target.
Story ShopThe picture showed the brothers hugging loved ones alongside the caption: “We’re home and we’ve hit £1M. Thank you everyone. 40,000 people will now have safe, clean drinking water for life.”
The target was passed at around 8am on Wednesday when Cairngorm Coffee, run by the brothers’ cousin Robie Lambie, donated £1,500 towards the campaign through sales of its limited-edition Sweet Valley coffee.
Middle brother Jamie Maclean, 31, said: “We are blown away by the way people have rallied behind us, not just here in Scotland but from all over the world. The support at every stage of this journey has been incredible.
“To come home having reached £1m is something we never imagined when we first set out. Knowing that this will change 40,000 lives with access to clean, safe water is the greatest reward we could have asked for.”
We Are Story ShopYoungest brother Lachlan, who turned 27 while at sea, added: “This feels truly monumental. We are deeply grateful to every single person who has backed us. Access to clean water is a basic human need, yet for so many communities in rural Madagascar, it remains out of reach.
“To know that 40,000 people will now have safe water for life is life-changing. It makes every mile we rowed worth it, and we couldn’t be prouder of what this support will achieve.
“We are so grateful to all the friends and family who came out to see us in at Cairns Marlin Marina just over one week ago, and so pleased to be back home in Edinburgh with those who weren’t able to make it out, including our dad, who we started this charity alongside.”
Throughout their gruelling challenge, the brothers have garnered support from around the world, including Mark Wahlberg, Ewan McGregor, and Flea.
As the brothers headed back to Scotland, there was one final fundraising push, supported by Lorraine Kelly, Ally McCoist, and Sam Heughan.
Lorraine shared a message on the brother’s official Instagram page, urging followers to help the trio hit £1m before landing back in Edinburgh.
We Are Story ShopThe presenter said: “They’re about to get on a flight back from Australia and it would just be amazing if they could land in Edinburgh having hit that £1M.
“So here’s an idea, if we all donate the price of a beer or a pizza – or two things together — those were the things the boys were dreaming of when they were on that boat for almost five months, then they’ll have done it then.
“Let’s make it a million because jeez do they ever deserve it. “
Ally McCoist added: “They’re nearly there, they’ve nearly reached £1M but let’s see if we can help them guys. They’re on a flight heading back from Australia right now – I know, I’m a wee bit disappointed myself: I thought they might have rowed back.
“It’s incredible. They’ve gone all the way to Australia via Peru, and they’ve never rowed back. It’s an embarrassment actually.
“But anyway, they’ve decided to fly back. Why don’t we give them a surprise and let’s help them reach that £1m. You’ve got to donate, the cost of a pint, a pizza or a fish supper, anything at all. If you’ve got any spare coppers guys, let’s support their cause. Wonderful achievement. Well done guys, we’re so proud of you.”
As of Wednesday morning, the brothers had officially raised £1,001,400.
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