Appin launches Nellie G

Appin has officially got its community skiff on the water.

The launching and naming ceremony for Nellie G attracted a large community turnout last month, welcoming her as the latest addition to the Appin seascape.

It was a particularly poignant occasion for the Groom family who were in the crowd.

The St Ayles Skiff, registered as number 209 with the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association, is named after the much-missed wife of the boat’s main builder.

Ken Groom was the leading man behind the turquoise blue, grey and white skiff ’s build and his late wife’s nickname was voted in by locals as its official name.

Helen Groom, whose maiden name was Nelson – hence Nellie – passed away after a short cancer illness in January 2019.

Her son Stephen said: ‘It’s a fine and appreciated tribute to mum. We think of her everyday but every time we see the Nellie G out on the water we’ll be thinking of her even more.’

Whisky donated by Oban Distillery was used to name the Nellie G before she left the Pierhouse Hotel beach on Saturday February 26. Colin Brown was the piper.

Appin Skiff Coastal Rowing Club chairperson Elaine

Venters was delighted to see so many people turn up to see Nellie G out on the water, ‘in all her glory’.

Throughout the build and the pandemic, the club has kept the community updated mostly through social media, fundraising and even making an appearance at the Appin Agricultural Show.

As well as choosing her name, the community also got involved in a competition to choose her colours.

Thanks to Appin Community Development Trust, the coastal rowing club acquired its boathouse from Argyll and Bute Council. Funding for life jackets, seat pads and other sundries also came from the Appin Community Trust, with CalMac helping to buy a boat trailer and launching trolley.

Support from The Pierhouse Hotel for the turning of the hull and the official launch ceremonies was also appreciated.

Plans are for the Nellie G to take part in regattas and watch out for upcoming ‘try a row’ dates so more people can get out in her. Details will appear on the club’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ AppinSkiff.

There was a good turnout for the launch of Nellie G, with her turquoise, grey and white colours chosen by the Appin community. The club’s chairperson Elaine Venters officially named the skiff with whisky donated by Oban Distillery.