ABOUT US
Based in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Immerse Hebrides was founded in 2019 by Norma & Neil MacLeod. Norma, an STA Open Water Coach and ex-competitive swimmer and Neil a Master Mariner with over 30 years deep-sea and marine rescue experience. We have a team of local and experienced guides ready to take you on a swim or exploring adventure and an 8 passenger RIB boat to get you there faster!
Norma
Norma grew up in Lewis and began swimming from an early age in the lochs and sea surrounding the small village of Callanish on the West coast of Lewis. Leaving the lochs and sea for a time, she progressed to swimming competitively as a teenager with mainland swimming clubs, competing internationally at a young age.
Whilst nursing in her 30's she was brought back to her love of swimming outdoors after competing in her first triathlon which had reignited the fun and adventurous nature of swimming in the wild. She has also rediscovered the physical and mental healing benefits of cold water swimming personally after loss and a diagnosis of breast cancer. She is passionate about sharing the joy, challenge and healing benefits of swimming outdoors in a safe environment and is always trying to aim for a longer distance swim each year but fun swims hamper her plans! Her favourite swims are adventurous ones to islands and through caves.
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QUALIFICATIONS
STA Level 2 Open Water Coach
STA Level 2 Swim Teacher
Outdoor First Aid
Emergency First Aid at Work
RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualified
Neil
Neil is Norma’s better half and he’ll provide logistical and safety support for the tours. As a qualified Master Mariner with over 25 years experience, he has sailed all over the world as a deck officer in the Merchant Navy which includes Antarctica with the British Antarctic Survey.
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He was previously full time RNLI Cox’n of Stornoway Lifeboat so has extensive knowledge of the coastline and waters in which you will be swimming and will provide boat support on our 8 passenger RIB Keava for the tours where required.
Both Norma & Neil enjoy walking and swimming the landscapes of the Hebrides and with their complementary experience of the Hebridean waters, together they are uniquely placed to provide you with an unforgettable experience of the Outer Hebrides.
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This is a family-run business so expect to meet more of the clan on your adventure holidays!
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