Moray community determined to take to the sea

Lossiemouth group determined to add their St Ayles Skiffs to the growing number in Scottish Coastal Rowing. (pic: ScottishCoastalRowing.org)

A MORAY COASTAL COMMUNITY is set to join in on one of the fastest-growing activities in the country.

A group of enthusiastic volunteers in Lossiemouth hope to emulate other communities on the Moray coast and form their own Coastal Rowing Club.

If successful they will join Burghead, Findhorn, Findochty and Cullen in an activity where all Scottish clubs use the same class of rowing boat, the St Ayles Skiff. The boat is supplied in kit form and is built either by enthusiastic club volunteers or by an established boat builder.

One of the great attractions of the Coastal Rowing experience is the broad spectrum of ages and abilities who can take part – teenagers to senior citizens, males and females can all join in either a competitive or social format.

The sport is conducted under the auspices of the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association who have established rules for participation and standards for boat design.

A funding campaign has been started with the aim of purchasing two Skiff Kits to be built by club members with help from Lossiemouth High School. Storage and club facilities will need to be found – but already there is support from the local Sailing Club as well as the Harbour Authorities.

A spokesman for the proposed new club said: “The Club already has a Facebook Page, Lossiemouth Coastal Rowing Club, and can be reached by email at Lossiecrc@gmail.com.

“It is hoped to have an inaugural club meeting in February with the aim inviting individuals to grow the membership, confirming a Management Committee, and then identifying a timeline and development plan to get the club established.”