AN AMBITIOUS CULLEN Sea School facility that was officially opened by the Duke of Kent in October has received a vital cash boost.
Launched by the Three Harbours Association which represents Cullen, Portknockie and Findochty, abandoned boat stores along the waterfront in Cullen were taken over three years ago and converted into a £500,000 seafaring school.
Locals and visitors will receive lessons on coastal rowing, kayaking and canoeing at the centre while boat builders with years of experience are providing classes on traditional methods.
Now a delighted project co-ordinator, Katalin Urquhart, has confirmed that £96,000 in revenue funding from the Coast Communities Fund (CCF) has been granted to the school. Katalin said: “The school is being developed into a hub for all things related to small boat sailing and watersports.
“It will offer a small boat building and repair workshop as well as meeting and instruction space.”
The CCF grant will allow two safety boats and other vital equipment to be purchased for the school, which is working closely with Buckie High School to develop a new SQA accredited woodworking course.