LISTEN: Rescued Airdrie surfer says he is on the mend

A surfer from Airdrie who was stranded at sea for nearly 33 hours has told Clyde News he is on the road to recovery.

23 year-old Matthew Bryce was pulled from the water 13 miles off the Argyle coast 3 weeks ago, after getting caught out by the tide.

He was taken to hospital in Belfast where he was treated for hypothermia and has taken his first unassisted steps in the last week, after using a zimmer frame and crutches to get around.

Matthew's also keen to get back to the gym and told us he is going crazy being stuck in the house.

He told our reporter Natalie Crawford about his ordeal and injuries in his first radio interview since returning home to Glasgow...

Police Scotland had launched a missing persons search and Chief Inspector Paul Robertson said at the time: "The response to our appeal to find Matthew has been outstanding.

"It has been a real team effort and I would like to thank everyone who offered their assistance.''

Coastguard rescue teams from Campbeltown, Southend, Gigha, Tarbert and Port Ellen - as well as the Coastguard rescue helicopter based at Prestwick - were involved in the search.

They shared this dramatic footage of the moment Matthew was pulled from the sea.

Dawn Petrie at Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre who co-ordinated the search on said afterwards: "Hope was fading of finding the surfer safe and well after such a long period in the water and with nightfall approaching we were gravely concerned, but at 7.30pm the crew on the Coastguard rescue helicopter were delighted when they located the man still with his surf board and 13 miles off the coast.

"He was kitted out with all the right clothing, including a thick neoprene suit, and this must have helped him to survive for so long at sea.”

Matthew has heaped praise on the Coastguard and RNLI teams who saved his life and is asking anyone who can to make a donation to the charities.