A team of thrill-seeking staff from Robertson Capital Projects tackled the waves of the River Tay to raise more than £2,000 for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS).

Eight members of staff, including two directors from the Stirling-based company, took part in the special white water rafting race at Grandtully.

The adventurous team boarded their raft to face a three-mile paddle against the clock as well as 13 other teams from across Scotland.

After tackling another mile of white water guided by a qualified instructor, they were rewarded with a well-deserved meal at the Inn on the Tay.

Annie Galbraith, 42, office manager at Robertson Capital Projects said: "We were all quite anxious at first because we didn't realise what we'd let ourselves in for until we were all in wetsuits and holding paddles, piling in the raft.

"It was a fantastic experience although at first we weren't going very far because everyone was paddling in different directions."

Gary Gallacher, 45, project manager at Robertson Capital Projects, added: "We overtook three other rafts to finish second in our race and fifth overall which was great.


"It was all for such a worthwhile cause so we didn't mind having stiff arms and shoulders the next day, and when we were told that our total would be matched by Robertson it eased the muscle pains a bit more."

Robertson Capital Projects is one of eleven autonomous Robertson companies.

Robertson, which now directly employs over 1000 people throughout Scotland and north east England, strives to support worthy charitable causes in the communities that it operates in.

Robertson Executive Chairman Bill Robertson was pleased to support the team's efforts by matching their fundraising total of £1000.

He said: "CHSS provides vital services to people affected by chest and stroke illness in the community and carries out vital research into prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

"Robertson encourages staff to support initiatives and organisations which provide additional services and support across a wide range of social causes throughout the country.

"Robertson Capital Projects fulfilled our corporate objectives by completing the rafting challenge and I am delighted to support their efforts by matching their fundraising total."

Chris Marx, regional fundraising manager at CHSS, added: "Altogether over £115,000 was raised for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland's vital services at this year's White Water Rafting Challenges.

"This is an astounding amount of money and will make a massive difference to those around Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke illness.

"The incredible amount raised is a true testament to the dedication of the Robertson Capital Projects team along with the other teams who competed over the four challenge days. We're also immensely grateful to the company for matching the amount raised by the team, thereby doubling the money going to our essential services around Scotland."

(GK/JM)