Community skiff takes to the water
A 23-foot St Ayles Skiff was launched shortly after the Lamlash Splash on Saturday to the resounding applause from the many people who took part in its creation.
The brainchild of Angus Campbell, the skiff came to fruition with the help of Steve Garroway, Rory Cowan and the many Arran High School pupils who spent countless hours working on it after the Arran Coastal Rowing Club was formed.
With additional help from grants and various members of the community, the dream has become a reality and the vessel took its maiden voyage on Saturday. As Angus said, in his characteristically humorous manner, ‘We have put the boat builders out first, in case it sinks, but thereafter everyone is invited to have a go.’
The five person skiffs are rowed and raced around the world and are increasingly being seen around the coasts of Scotland with clubs forming to compete against each other. The local club intend to build a few more in the hope of competing on Arran next summer. Not just used for racing, the club imagines that they can be used by groups for picnicking, trips round Holy Isle and for any other events where a wellbuilt and attractive skiff could be put to good use.
After Angus Campbell’s speech and words of thanks, a cheque from the Arran Trust was handed over by Kenneth Bone and Richard Small to Callum McNicol.
The Deputy Lord Lieu- tenant, Alastair Grassie, poured some whisky over its immaculate paintwork as he officially christened the skiff.
After a slightly awkward shuffle of the long oars, generously made by Mac Macdonald, the rowers took off, expertly rowing around a nearby Viking replica ship as if they were accustomed to the vessel.
Not content to rest on their laurels, the club begin the next skiff build in two weeks time.