Ably led by our illustrious build leader Pod, Moidart Skiffies have taken a big step towards being ready to build their first skiff. A team variously at times comprising of (if I remember correctly) Angus, Anna, Donald, Fiona, Frances, Karen, the two Marks, Peter and Pod have created a dry workspace. A number of whom have put in a significant amout of their time and effort which is greatly appreciated.
This was not an easy task given it was open to the elements only a few weeks ago and pretty much had a small burn running through it at one point, not to mention chickens running amok and leaving egg based surprises here and there!
Over the next few weeks Pod will direct efforts to improve the lighting and electrical arrangements and then the skiff build can begin in earnest.
There might be competition for that one chair!Pod testing the door!Peter demonstating a saw!
On behalf of the members of Moidart Coastal Rowing Club I would like to express our gratitude to Steven Marshall for allowing the club to use a wonderful photograph from his portfolio capturing the beauty of the West Highland Peninsulas.
The photograph used for our homepage main image is titled ‘Summer Tranquillity II – The Small Isles of Eigg and Rùm viewed from Smirisary, Moidart’ and is available to purchase from Steven Marshall Photography.
It has been quite an effort however I am pleased to say that our website is finally ready. Thanks to all those that helped get us to this point including Anne, Anna, David, Jamie, Lou, Peter and me I guess. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anyone.
A special note of thanks should also be given to Krystal Hosting who have kindly not charged us for hosting our website and other online services such as email. I really can’t convey how impressed I am with them as a company in their commitment to first class service while also minimising their impact upon the environment. It is quite something for a company to commit to planting 1,000,000,000 (yes 1 billion) trees by 2030!
Also as I am sure the keen observers amongst us will have noted, the main image is still the one taken from Arisaig however an updated photograph of the Small Isles taken from Moidart will be uploaded soon!
Moidart Skiffies Sponsored Row helps get Scotland’s Newest Club up and running
In the picturesque landscape of Glenuig Village Hall, a new chapter in coastal rowing is unfolding. The Moidart Coastal Rowing Club, Scotland’s newest addition to coastal rowing, has embarked on a remarkable journey. Not just a journey across the Sound of Arisaig, but one that symbolises community spirit, ambition, and the collective endeavour to make a dream a reality.
Looking over the Sound of Arisaig
The brainchild of Lou Johnson, she brought together a team to take part in a sponsored row. One that aimed to mirror the ambitious journey from Glenuig to the North of the Isle of Eigg and back, covering a distance of 50 kilometres (or 27 nautical miles). This event was a test of teamwork and of the club’s aspirations. The Moidart Coastal Rowing Club, through this event and the Curry Night 7 weeks before, sought not only to mark its inception but also to gather the crucial funds needed to build its first boat and set the stage for the club’s activities. Lou said “I thought a sponsored row would be a great way to start to get the wider community interested in rowing, not only to raise funds for Moidart Skiffies, but also as a way to encourage improved fitness and stamina through rowing. It certainly provoked a lot of interest and I was so impressed that our rowing volunteers stuck with us to achieve our goals. I want to sign them all up immediately to get out rowing on our skiff, once built!”
5K into the row…
The event took place in the heart of the community, the village hall in Glenuig, on the 24th of April. It was a day when the rowers, were not battling against the waves but against the resistance of a rowing machine. The camaraderie and energy was fantastic with every stroke on the rowing machine showing the fledgling team’s commitment towards the club’s start-up.
Not only created our logo but rows!
So far, the sponsored row has been a great success, raising £1,900 out of the £2,500 target. This stands as a testament to the community’s support and the collective belief in the value of coastal rowing, not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for bringing people together, fostering a sense of belonging, and contributing to the social and physical wellbeing of the community.
Another happy rower
However, the journey doesn’t end here. The Club is still welcoming sponsorships, as there is still a stretch of water to cross to reach the fundraising target. Supporting the Moidart Coastal Rowing Club at this juncture means contributing to more than just the construction of a boat. It means supporting the growth of a community club that values inclusivity, health, and the joy of rowing. It’s an opportunity to be part of a legacy that will open up opportunities for the people in the area and continue to support our long marine heritage.
We’re getting there
We invite you to join us on this voyage. Let’s pull together, for every contribution brings us closer to our goal. With your support, the Moidart Coastal Rowing Club will not only reach its fundraising target but will also embark on its mission to enrich the lives of its members and the wider community through the joy of rowing.
Just about finished the shift
To those who have already contributed, your generosity lights the path forward. As part of the Rewards offered on our sponsored row Crowdfunder page, we’d like to thank the following people and those who donated anonymously. You are AWESOME!!!
Mel Williams
Mark Shickell
Jonathan Knox
Louise Johnson
Peter Langhorne
Anne Widdop
Karen and Michael Polkey
Ingvild Begg
Kit Devine
Quentin Paterson
Phil Smith
Christopher Erdal
Helen Lucas
Mark Reynolds
Robert Clegg
A massive thanks to everyone who took part and donated!
Together, we can ensure that the Moidart Coastal Rowing Club gets going and we can move towards a future filled with promise, camaraderie, and the timeless thrill of sea rowing.
