Ned Barnie

Ned Barnie -Great Britain B/W Photograph For Chapter: “What the public doesn’t know” Ned Barnie of Scotland……first and only man to complete a successful swim in both directions in one year (1951). A Midlothian physician, Barnie is oldest man to swim channel,completing his “doubles”at age of 54. He has swum the channel three times. Has torso that exites admiration. Almost oblivious to cold water. Likes to drink Scotch whisky while in training. Carries white heather from Pentland Hills for luck. William Edward Barnie, (Ned) Midlothian, Scotland. In 1950 at 53years of age Ned Barnie entered the Daily Mail Race he finished in 5th. place in a time of 14hrs.45mins. His pilot was T. Brockman and the boat was the “Ocean Princess” He was Scotish half mile Champion in 1925. At the time of 1950 he was the only person to achieve a double crossing of the Firth of Fourth from Burnt-Island to Granton, as well as being the first person to get across. He was also holder of the East of Scotland Long Distance Championship. Ned Barnie swam in the first Daily Mail Race in !950. (details above) In 1951 he entered the International “Festival Of Britain” Daily Mail Race. He finished in 17th. place with a time of 15hrs. 01min. His Pilot was S.T.Liddon, and the escort boat was the”Ocean King”. In 1951 Ned also swam from England to France in 19hrs. 02mins. He was the 7th. person to swim in this direction. He made a further six unsuccessful attempts between 1952 and 1956. From the Sam Rockett collection. Black and White photograph.