ADVENTURE
Boat built in the fifties is given a tough test before going on display in Alyth
The kayak, which was built in the fifties, was used on trips in the past During the long dark evenings and nights, many of us spend the first couple of months of the year dreaming of warmer weather and a summer filled with travel and adventure. This time last year, Blairgowriebased Piotr Gudan and Jane Wilkinson did just that – only with a bit of a twist. The pair both have an interest in river transportation - Piotr is the owner of Outdoor Explore, based in The Barony in Alyth, which offers, among many other outdoor activities, a range of kayaking experiences for people of all ages and abilities. And Jane, who runs Special Branch Baskets, makes baskets and fences from willow, as well as coracles – small, rounded, lightweight boats traditionally used in Wales, and also in parts of western and south-west England, Ireland and Scotland.
Piotr said that a local resident contacted him asking if he was interested in an old – very old – boat.
And he replied: “Silly question, if a kayak is involved, there is always a happy grin on my face.”
The man had built the kayak himself with his father in the 1950s and used Exhausted but exhilarated, Piotr and Jane reach their destination to take it on mini adventures in the local area.
It was still its original green colour and came with paddles, outfitting and seats and was, according to Piotr, in really good condition for its age.
Piotr said: “He suggested maybe putting it on display in The Barony, but after hearing how much happiness the kayak had brought its owners, I felt it couldn’t just be a ‘museum piece’.”
He came up with a plan to tackle the River Tay – the biggest river in Scotland – in the oldest boat he has ever owned and in just one day, and called Jane to see if she would be up for the 85km challenge.
Piotr said: “The kayak is over 50 years old, handcrafted, made of wo and canvas, but quite fragile, and there are some big rapids on the Tay was a bit of a mad challenge.
“I was looking for another big challenge to try in Scotland.
“So many of us are looking for the best adventures somewhere far aw I am based in east Perthshire, withi close distance of so many epic plac Jane Wilkinson from Special Branch Baskets and Piotr Gudan from Outdoor Explore with the green kayak on the banks of the Tay