Forfar groups riding crest of a wave with new community project

Three Forfar organisations have combined their resources to pull together for a new project which will introduce the community to a new sport.

By
Mark Dowie
Friday, 19th November 2021, 12:00pm
Forfar groups riding crest of a wave with new community project
The skiff will be kept at Forfar Sailing Club for use on the town’s loch. It will be made available for the whole community to use.

The town’s Rotary Club, Men’s Shed and sailing club are providing the expertise to build a skiff, which, once completed, will be made available for use by all.

Skiffs are traditional rowing craft which, while long-established, are enjoying a resurgence in popularity as racing vessels. Skiff rowing is still fairly new but is a growing trend and there are currently more than 200 now in Scotland, with more being built, and competitions held all over the country. The Forfar craft will be a St Ayles Skiff, which carries four rowers and a coxswain.

The cost of the £6000 project is being met by donations, although the initial outlay to acquire the kit has been met due to an anonymous contribution and those involved say that it will bring social and physical benefits of exercise and being outdoors.

The project is being overseen by the Rotary Club which will handle all donations while the Men’s Shed will provide the expertise in building the skiff itself.

Forfar Sailing Club will look after the skiff once it is completed and it will be based at the sailing club for use on Forfar Loch.

A Rotary spokesperson said: “It is for use by the community and when finished will be for teams of four rowers and a cox to use rowing in any form be, it for pleasure, fitness, or competition use.

“The Strathmore Cricket Club are generously giving storage and workspace for the project so maybe there are others who feel their club could give valuable input.”

New lighting is currently being installed in the build shed and timber for the building frames and benches has been donated by Orchard Timber Products Ltd. But the groups will be looking for further help in the coming months, and are appealing to anyone who can help out.

The spokesperson added: “You do not have to be good at woodwork, although you would be much valued if you are, or just be prepared to help out when available.”

Anyone who can help out with the build, or who has a business which can support the project, or who represents a club who feels it would complement its training, can get in touch by emailing forfar.sailing+rowing@gmail.com.

This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO).
© 2024 National World Publishing Ltd.
crosschevron-downcross-circle