Among them was Thorntons, who entered a team from its Edinburgh office at Citypoint, raising £2,100 for the charity.

St Columba’s Hospice Care, which has a state-of-the-art hospice facility in the capital, provides care through dedicated support in people’s homes and local communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians, as well as working with partners on education and further research.

The Dragon Boat Race is one of the highlights of the fundraising calendar which supports the organisation’s efforts to provide palliative and end-of-life care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Thorntons senior solicitor and Dragon Boat Race competitor Hannah Dossett said: “This was a new experience for our team with lots of nervous energy but also laughter as we stepped into the boat. We soon got into a rhythm and had a great time. It was the first event since the pandemic where we could do something as a team and everyone really enjoyed themselves.

“We didn’t win fastest or best dressed but our ‘Thorny Dragons’ team name did win us a prize. We are really proud of our efforts as a team, and the great sum raised – we’re already talking about taking part again next year.”

Amanda Southey, corporate development manager at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “It was great to see all the teams, as well as members of the public, pull together to raise money and support the Hospice in such a unique way. I’m also excited that several of the competitors enjoyed it so much they have signed up for next year, which is already set to be bigger and better than ever! I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who helped or took part in what was a really fun event.

“We are very grateful for the donation from Thorntons, as £1,000 alone could fund a Hospice at Home service for a day, enabling the team to provide home visits to patients in the community.”