Dream realised at new skiff launch
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
WORKING shoulder to shoulder over the course of eight months this year, members of the Strathpeffer and surrounding area community laboured long and hard to fashion a shared dream.
It came to fruition at Foulis Ferry near Evanton last Saturday (September 15) as the St Ayles skiff they built, named Grebe, took to the water under the watchful eye of its master builders for a history-making maiden voyage.
More than 100 people gathered to witness the launching the Grebe – believed to be the first skiff built by an inland community in Scotland.
To the sound of piper John Saunders, the skiff was pulled towards the slip by a proud team of builders led by Steve Dovey.
Chairman of the Strath-peffer and District Community Rowing Club Tor Justad described how the club was formed and the work involved in reaching launch day.
Mr Justad said: "Thanks were expressed to funders which included wind farm funds, public and private funding and the club’s own crowdfunder appeal which raised over £800.
"Thanks were expressed to all those who has supported the project in many ways including loan of machinery, use of a barn and support from the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association and other Ross-shire coastal rowing clubs.
"Special mention was made of the build being the first inland community-built skiff in Scotland and thanks were expressed to Storehouse of Foulis and Foulis Ferry Limited for allowing the club to base the skiff there."
Local Glenwyvis gin was used in the launch ceremony – poured from a specially commissioned quaich undertaken by clan chief Hector Munro of Foulis and Alpha Munro MBE.
Grebe was launched as the piper played Crossing the Minch – an ambitious target for a future row.
