It’s a-boat time

BOAT builders in the Isle of Whithorn took to the water in their new St Ayles Skiff for the first time last Friday. Given the name Eala, Gaelic for swan, the new skiff launched at midday at the harbour in front of a large crowd with voices of a 16 strong choir providing a soundtrack for the historic moment. Supported by the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association, the one-of-a-kind craft is a special tribute to its designer, coastal rowing, and traditional boatbuilding techniques. Gail McGarva, custodian and builder of the skiff, constructed Eala in a disused fire station, now a boat workshop in Whithorn, over a nine month period. She was working with trainees and young learners from Whithorn Rebuild, Douglas Ewart High School, and volunteers from the community and the surrounding area.

Said Gail: “Eala, this ‘Traditional Tribute to the St Ayles Skiff’, is a celebration of the Scottish Coastal Rowing community and their passion for rowing. It is a tribute to the late Iain Oughtred, boat designer, and shines a light on the endangered craft of traditional wooden boat building. A beacon of hope for the future of the craft.” Out in the harbour crews from Stranraer, Portpatrick, Hippo from Garlieston, and Annan Coastal Rowing Clubs held an oar salute when Eala launched and then all seven skiffs carried out a sea procession around the Isle of Whithorn Bay. Eala’s first voyage was crewed by builders Adam Molyneux, Jayden Saxten, Mihai Bittel and Stewart Wilson, and coxed by Martin Robinson.

Rowers, builders, choir members and the community gathered afterwards in St Ninians’ Hall for a buffet funded by Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club, Isle of Whithorn Community Council, Kilgallioch Community Fund, and private donation, bringing the celebration to a true community close, with food, stories and laughter. Vikki Reay-Martin secretary trustee of Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club, added: “We were delighted to be involved in this launch, and so grateful that coastal rowing clubs from across Dumfries and Galloway joined us at this special event. It was such a terrific welcome for this unique skiff.”