Each Seven Days, He Goes Back to the Waters Where His Wife Died

Scott and Jenny in happier times
The pair initially connected while in their youth and spent over four decades side by side

Every seven days, former Scotland rugby international the athlete visits take a dip in the bay where his wife Jenny took her life.

He says the practice brings him solace and enables him to continue her memory by embracing her love for swimming.

A little more than a year ago, the 60-year-old went missing in the water at the Edinburgh bay after taking a swim. She was found in the area days later.

"I miss Jenny daily," Scott stated. "She had this amazing bond with others and likely concentrated on other people's health more than her own mental health."
Jenny spearheading a wellness campaign
Jenny Hastings had spearheaded a fundraising effort to support people improve their psychological health

They trusted the healing power of exercise and even organized socially distanced aerobics classes for their neighbors throughout lockdown.

That day of her vanishing in September 2024, Jenny had been visited by a mental health practitioner after her depression worsened for the worse.

He had arranged to meet her in the afternoon for a swim in the local waters at her favourite spot in the bay.

In her dark days, he noted it was a "place of healing" for her.

But when he noticed he couldn't see her and instead spotted her buoyancy aid tethered nearby, he contacted the emergency services for assistance.

Jenny's body was located five days later, on the couple's wedding anniversary.

She had experienced depression for 20 years before she passed away, and he said there had been multiple previous incidents before.

He with family at the water's edge
He, shown here, with his two children Corey and Kerry-Anne at Wardie Bay

Going back to the bay has become a weekly ritual and gives Scott space to remember the their long-lasting relationship.

"Knowing that we swim where she went for her final swim, it's very thought-provoking and meaningful," he said. "I won’t hide the fact that it's tough at times."

Now more than a year after Jenny passed, his former Edinburgh Rugby teammate Iain Sinclair is taking on an exceptional challenge to collect funds in her honor.

He starts an attempt at traversing the lengthy stretch of the Caledonian Canal which links the eastern sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The waterway scenery

He is the first person to try to swim the waterway which cuts across the Highlands, from the west coast at a town near a location to the eastern shore at the city.

As a result, he will be in the cold water of the waterway, which links constructed channels and freshwater lochs, each day for up to several hours.

Iain said Jenny had "courageously battled" her personal struggles and motivated many through her passion for outdoor swimming—"a sport she excelled in."

Iain Sinclair getting ready
Iain Sinclair will be the first person to complete the whole route

While other people have completed separate lakes along the route, he has been given special permission from Scottish Canals to pass through all of the canal gates.

"I think it'll just be about maintaining the physique in good condition," he remarked. "I'm 48, not 28, and I think trying to do 10km—equivalent to a marathon swim—everyday for the next week and a half will be the challenging part."

Part of the money raised will be given to a wellness organization, in memory of Jenny.

Iain in training
He will be in the low temperatures for up to six hours a day

He is also raising money for digestive conditions, following his own personal medical struggles, and for the a heart charity after the unexpected passing of his close friend Colin Maguire.

He will be supported by a support team which includes his friend, who said he might join to swim with Iain for a short distance along the route.

"I think it's wonderful because it raises wider awareness," noted Scott. "Iain has been an motivation for me and it's just taking that legacy onward."

"She would have adored to have seen him doing what he's doing and would be extremely pleased of him. I look forward to get onto the boat to cheer on him."

Crystal Fuller
Crystal Fuller

A passionate writer and digital strategist with a knack for uncovering trends and sharing actionable advice in the creative industry.