SKIFFS from across Ross-shire and beyond took to the Cromarty Firth in friendly competition under the auspices of a club that first has to travel overland to reach the water.

The Strathpeffer and District Rowing Club regatta centred around the Storehouse of Foulis saw the home team claim overall victory and boost its coffers to the tune of £600 thanks to a raffle generously supported by businesses.

With many regattas cancelled due to Covid and the club’s last event in 2019 marred by continuous rain, there was general delight in the beautiful conditions on the day.

Skiffs from Cromarty (Sutor Skiffies), Golspie, Nairn, Loch Carron and Chanonry took part with a Rest of the World vessel for rowers without a club.

There was keen competition in all age categories and access to all-day refreshments courtesy of Quintin Stevens.

Gallery1

A highlight of the afternoon was a visit by the new Invergordon Shannon Class lifeboat Agnes AP Barr with coxswain Andrew Murray and crew providing an RNLI stall with information about the Respect the Water campaign.

Chairwoman Lori MacGregor thanked all involved including safety boat crews, umpire Andy Rendle of SCRA (Scottish Coastal Rowing Association) and the many volunteers who carried out all the important duties from car parking to beach marshalling.

At the final count the home club won the overall competition with Golspie in second place and Sutor Skiffies in third.

The club also prepared to send its St Ayles skiff Grebe to the “Fortrose Unregatta”, followed by the Monster the Loch race and the Cromarty Regatta.

The next club highlight will be the launch of its second skiff, which is nearing completion in a steading on the Brahan Estate.

The name is being kept tightly under wraps for now until it is officially launched.

Strath club looks back on an unforgettable year

Dream realised with new skiff launch

Inaugural Ross regatta for new club

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.