Above The stunning Scottish scenery at Shieldaig.
PHOTOGRAPHY THE ULLAPOOL COASTAL ROWING CLUB
The number of rowing clubs in Scotland has more than doubled in the last five years. This amazing statistic comes from Robbie Wightman, convenor of the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association, and one of the driving forces behind this expansion, built around a do-it-yourself ethos that also aims to revive local rowing tradition. These clubs eschew modern high-tech shells, with small communities coming together to build their own fixed seat sea-going boat – the St Ayles skiff – from a kit before ever taking to the water.
Most of the rowing public will not have heard of the boat or the new association, but that has not prevented a resurgence in coastal rowing that has quietly spread throughout Scotland and is now making inroads further afield – and particularly among the older demographic that is often left by the wayside when it comes to competitive sport. Many of the rowers who get out on the waves are in their 50s or even 60s, although it is open to anyone willing to dedicate their time to building a boat, including various youth projects.