Relaunched Hinba gets dolphins’ blessing
A pod of dolphins off the Cullipool coast gave Luing’s relaunched skiff its blessing.
Coastal rowers, both experienced and new to the sport, turned up at the first meeting in two years since Covid to take the island’s traditional St Ayles out on the water.
The skiff went out twice and both crews were treated to dolphins putting on a playful display, welcoming rowers back to the waves.
Luing’s skiff is called Hinba, the name of an island of uncertain location that was the site of a small monastery associated with the Columban church on Iona. Some say it could be one of the islands that can be seen off Luing.
Plans are for the rowing club to meet regularly on a weekday evening and on weekends for members wanting longer adventures.
Try-a-row sessions organised for visitors coming to Luing over the summer are also planned, having been popular in past years.