A GLASGOW teenager is representing Scotland in a Tall Ship race from Belfast to Norway.

Iain Fleming, from Barmulloch, is taking the ropes aboard the Rona II with charity the Rona Sailing Project.

But his mum, Margaret Callaghan, is appealing for sponsorship to help cover the costs of the trip.

Margaret said: "I'm really proud of Iain for getting this opportunity and he's worked really hard for it but it's been very expensive and I am struggling to fund it.

"Iain had some sponsorship from a sailing charity called ASTO but it hasn't been enough to cover all the extra things he needs like clothing and special gloves.

"I have been all round the houses looking for support - from our housing association to his school - but no one has even come back to me.

"I know it's short notice but any help would be really appreciated."

Iain took part in a sailing trip last year with school, which saw him travel from Southampton to Cherbourg.

He caught the sailing bug and so decided to apply to sail in the 2015 Tall Ship race, which begins in Belfast this weekend.

Around 50 vessels from 15 countries will gather on the River Lagan and at Pollock Dock and are expected to draw crowds of 500,000 people.

The ships will go on to visit six ports in five countries over the course of the competition.

Iain will be on the Rona II, sailing from Belfast to Norway on a two-week journey that will see all hands on deck to try to be the first ship to reach land.

The Rona Trust takes young people from disadvantaged backgrounds on sailing trips around the world.

Established 50 years ago, it has so far helped more than 20,000 young people to learn to sail.

Margaret said: "I'm more nervous than he is. It's quite hard to think of him being away for two weeks and being out at sea.

"You never know what might happen but he's in good hands and he really loves it - he had a great time last year with the school."

Iain has just finished at All Saints Secondary School and is waiting for the results of five Highers.

The 17-year-old, who starts a music technology course at Glasgow Kelvin College after the summer holidays, said: "I went on a sailing trip through school last year and I loved it.

"I just loved the sea and being out on the water and I knew I wanted to do more.

"I thought more people from my school would apply but I was the only one and now I'm the only one from Scotland on my ship.

"It's not really a common thing to do somewhere like Barmulloch and it's going to be a big adventure.

"I felt fine but now as it draws nearer I'm more nervous.

"It's nearly time to go now and I feel a little bit anxious but I bet on the day I'll be shaking."

Anyone who would like to help the family can email catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk to be put in touch with Margaret.