Sea2Sea support crew
The Sea2Sea support crew, have elite level experience of water-based activities and the knowledge to apply the necessary health and safety protocols to fully de-risk this challenge.
Iain will have an on the water based support team accompanying him for safety and navigation and an on shore crew for wellbeing support and supplies and at start and end of each swim segment
The team will ensure clear communication with event partners Scottish Canals and their operations team throughout to avoid interference with boat traffic.
John Whittaker
Sports Event Professional | Celtman Extreme Triathlon Race Director | Former Head of H&S, Historic Scotland
John is a highly experienced sports event professional with a background in health and safety, training, and development at Historic Scotland. He co-directs the Celtman Extreme Triathlon, widely recognised as one of the toughest endurance events in the world. The race’s challenging logistics in remote Scottish landscapes require innovation and resilience, qualities John brings to Iain’s support team. Under his leadership, Celtman has earned accolades including Event of the Year from both British Triathlon and Triathlon Scotland. John’s event experience and operational knowledge provide valuable support for the complex planning and safety management required for Iain’s unprecedented swim.
Neil Chisholm
Depute Head Teacher | Safeguarding and Child Protection Lead | Ironman Triathlete
Neil is a Depute Head Teacher in one of Scotland’s largest secondary schools, with lead responsibility for student support, safeguarding, and child protection. A passionate advocate for youth wellbeing, Neil integrates key themes of health, personal safety, and resilience into the curriculum through partnerships with organisations such as Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue. As a fellow Ironman triathlete, Neil brings both professional insight and personal support to Iain’s challenge. He is particularly enthusiastic about using the swim to engage students around positive lifestyle choices, water safety, and mental health. Neil welcomes opportunities to collaborate with the team to align educational messages with Curriculum for Excellence and national educational priorities.
Scott Hastings
Scotland’s Most Capped Rugby Centre | Broadcaster & Motivational Speaker
www.scotthastings.co.uk
Scott Hastings is one of Scotland’s rugby legends, earning 65 caps and playing in 51 internationals alongside his brother Gavin. Together, they are the only brothers to have represented the British and Irish Lions on two tours. Since retiring from professional sport, Scott has built a successful career as a broadcaster with BT Sport, ITV, BBC, STV, and Sky Sports, covering major global rugby events. He is also a sought-after public speaker and delivers motivational talks and after-dinner speeches to corporate audiences, charities, and sporting communities. Scott brings both sporting pedigree and inspirational support to Iain’s journey.
Rob Hinton
Founder, Hold Fast Elite | Former Royal Navy Diver | Adventure Fitness Leader
Rob Hinton is a former Royal Navy Mine Clearance and Bomb Disposal Diver, having served with Fleet Diving Unit 2, HMS Inverness, and Northern Diving Group. After leaving the forces, he worked globally as a commercial diver in the oil and gas sector for 14 years. Rob is now founder and director of Hold Fast Elite, a one-of-a-kind outdoor fitness challenge business based on elite Royal Navy diver training. The company was named 2024 Scottish Veterans Owned Business of the Year. Rob also serves as a rebreather diving instructor and has been swimming competitively since the age of four. He brings elite-level toughness and operational discipline to Iain’s team.
Steve (Magic) Wands
Sports Development Officer | Educator | Outdoor Advocate
Steve is a passionate Sports Development Officer with over 30 years’ experience working across education, youth sport, and community development. A former rugby player and veteran of multiple endurance challenges including two multi-day Doddie Aid rides and the Coast-to-Coast Rat Race, Steve is deeply committed to promoting outdoor activity for young people. His current focus is the development of six new community pump tracks designed to inspire healthy behaviours through active play. Steve jumped at the chance to support Iain’s Sea2Sea Caledonian Swim, and brings a wealth of grassroots energy and enthusiasm to the challenge.
John (Dad) Sinclair
At 78 years old and still going strong, John will be heading up the onshore logistics for the Sea2Sea team. A retired Quantity Surveyor across multiple industries, he has had the privilege of Chairing boards and committees across professional, educational, civic, and sporting sectors. He remains actively involved in charitable fundraising and with a lifelong passion for sport, he deeply values the power of teamwork and the lasting impact of community engagement. A BSAC qualified diver, John understands water safety.
Behind the scenes Crew
Dean Jackson (Kit/cold water connections)
Stewart Campbell (Artwork/Killer content)
Rob Eyton-Jones (Media/Filming)
Stuart MacDonald-Butler (Website/Comms)
Lee Boyce (Website Development)
Iain's Wife, Kate (Everything Else)
