Written by Ellie Street

At YOURGB, creativity, ambition and pushing boundaries are part of our DNA and we take huge pride in championing others who share that same fearless energy. That’s why we are  thrilled to be sponsoring Scotland the Wave – a powerhouse team of four incredible women who will soon take on the world’s toughest row, a 3000 mile boat race across the Atlantic. Their story is one of determination, teamwork and courage, values that sit right at the heart of who we are and everything we do at YOURGB.

As a female-founded and female-run company, we jump at any chance to support women doing extraordinary things. Our founder and CEO, Gilly Bain, has built a business rooted in bravery, commitment, sustainability and kindness, qualities we see reflected so clearly in the Scotland the Wave crew. Their journey is about pushing limits, uplifting others and creating real impact. It’s the kind of authentic, purpose-driven story that inspires us every day and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of it.

When YOURGB confirmed their sponsorship of Scotland the Wave, I simply had to find out more about these incredible women! I had the pleasure of speaking with the team to discover what drives them, how they’re preparing, and the powerful message behind their mission.

Q1. What inspired you to take on the World’s Toughest Row, and what does this challenge mean to you personally? 

Heather – I’ve always been spontaneous and had a great appreciation for life. I’ve travelled to five continents and nearly 40 countries, seeking out experiences that push me outside my comfort zone. I had zero rowing experience when I signed up, so it’s been a huge learning curve, but I know I’d regret not going for it when given the chance. Less than 400 women have ever rowed an ocean, and I wanted to prove to myself that with enough discipline and determination, we as a team could fall into that category.  

 Fiona – A good friend died suddenly and her last message to me was “Let’s have some fun”. This opportunity came up and I just thought, why not do something amazing before I can’t.  

Q2. Rowing across the ocean requires immense teamwork. How do you support each other through the toughest moments, and what makes your team unique? 

Nicky – Our team, Scotland the Wave, has truly become a family to me. Andrena, Fiona, and Heather are amazing women whom I have a huge amount of respect for. They each bring their own strengths, humour, and tenacity to the team.  Although we all come from very different backgrounds and careers, no one sees themselves as more important than another. We’ve bonded deeply as a family unit, and this shines through in how we support one another — caring for each other, laughing together through the fun moments, and standing strong during the most difficult times. I know this challenge will test us in every way possible, but there is no one I would rather face it with than my rowing family: Andrena, Fiona, and Heather. Together, we are Scotland the Wave.  

Andrena – Our team is built on mutual respect, humour, and an unshakable sense of purpose. We’ve all come from different walks of life, but what binds us is that we’re four women determined to take on something bigger than ourselves. When things get tough — and they will — we rely on open communication, shared laughter, and small acts of kindness to pull each other through. Whether it’s someone making a bad joke mid-shift or quietly handing over a snack when words aren’t needed, that’s what makes our team special: genuine connection and care for one another. 

Q3. What has been the biggest challenge in preparing for this race – mentally, physically, or logistically – and how have you overcome it?

Fiona – I’ll be a couple of months off 60 when we start the row, so physically have had to work hard on fitness. Being diagnosed with a fairly debilitating auto immune disease 2 years ago made me think I wouldn’t be able to compete with it, until I managed to overcome it and I’m now in remission.  

Losing my lovely mum in May has been the hardest challenge to overcome. I’m sure I’ll shed some tears during our journey, but I know I have the best team to support me.  

Nicky – When we first heard that many crews entering the World’s Toughest Row never make it to the start line, I don’t think I fully understood why — until we began our own journey. It has been far tougher than I ever imagined.  

At first, I thought being the first all-female Scottish crew would make sponsorship easier, but I was wrong. Fundraising has been one of our biggest challenges. We’ve sent thousands of emails with very little response, and at times it’s been disheartening. Balancing fundraising with a full-time job, training on the water, strength sessions in the gym, learning knots and navigation, all while managing family life, has been relentless.  As a crew, we’ve faced countless obstacles — from coordinating diaries for training, dealing with unpredictable weather, to coping with equipment failures. Yet, every challenge we’ve faced has brought us closer together. It has strengthened our bond, deepened our understanding of the boat, and shown us just how adaptable and resilient we can be when we refuse to give up.  

Q4. Can you give us a glimpse into your training routine or preparation process? What’s been the most surprising part of getting ready for this adventure? 

Andrena – Our training is a mix of endurance rowing sessions, strength work, team sea rows, and mental resilience exercises — all while balancing everyday life. We train in Cromarty Harbour and Loch Lomond, where we’ve learned to love every freezing, windswept moment because it mirrors what’s coming in the Atlantic. The most surprising part has been how much of this journey is psychological. You can train your body, but it’s the mental side — the doubt, the fatigue, the patience — that truly shapes you. 

Fiona – I run a busy B&B so working 15 hours most days during the season has limited my training, but I’m on it now. 2 hours a day of rowing, strength and or cardio, some yoga and stretches with one rest day a week. The most surprising part of our prep is how long it’s taken to get the food ready. You would think eating 4000 calories per day is the dream but it’s actually pretty difficult to get that much food together that you think you will manage to eat and isn’t full of sugar and additives.  

Q5. What’s one key lesson about resilience, teamwork, or perseverance that this journey has taught you so far, even before setting off? 

Nicky – This has been one of the hardest statements for me to put into just a few words, because I’ve learned so much about myself throughout this journey — and we haven’t even reached the sea yet.  

I could easily list all the new skills and strengths I’ve gained, from countless emails to the courses I’ve completed, but what stands out most is the understanding that this challenge isn’t just about me — it’s about us as a crew.  

I’ve learned the value of true teamwork: having a crew I can trust completely, who support one another without judgment, and who always see the best in each of us. We recognise and celebrate each other’s qualities and strengths. Through this, we’ve become not just a team, but a strong, supportive family ready to take on whatever lies ahead.  

Heather – Since we first met in 2021, every challenge we’ve faced together has made us stronger — both as a team and as individuals. We all bring such different qualities, but that’s exactly what makes it work. We balance each other out, lift each other up, and always find a way through whatever’s thrown our way. For me, this journey has been a real lesson in confidence, discipline and trust — we know each other inside out now and we’re ready for whatever the ocean throws our way. 

Q6. What do you hope people watching your journey will take away, especially women and girls considering taking on their own big challenges? 

Heather – I’ve struggled with confidence and self-doubt my whole life. Taking on this challenge is my way of proving that you can push past the mental barriers and come out the other side stronger. If you keep moving forward, you’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. I hope women and girls see that you don’t have to have it all figured out or be the strongest or most confident person in the room to do something extraordinary – you just need the courage to start. And if anyone ever wants advice or a bit of encouragement, I’m always happy for them to reach out. 

Andrena – I hope people watching our journey — especially women and girls — see that you don’t need to be fearless or superhuman to chase something extraordinary. You just need to take that first step and keep going, even when it’s hard. If our row inspires even one person to believe in their own version of “impossible,” then every stroke across the Atlantic will have been worth it.

Hearing directly from the Scotland the Wave team was certainly emotional (I shed a few tears reading these answers). It’s impossible not to feel inspired by their drive, humour and heart. Their courage to take on such an immense challenge, all while raising awareness and support for causes close to their hearts, perfectly reflects the spirit we celebrate at YOURGB. For us, this partnership goes far beyond sponsorship — it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with women who dare to break out of their comfort zone, lead with purpose, and inspire others along the way. We’ll be cheering them on every stroke of the way, proud to share in their story as they make waves — in every sense of the word!

To continue to follow Scotland The Wave ‘s journey, check out their Linktree here, where you can keep up with them on socials, check out their website and donate or support them on their journey ahead.