With lengthening days and some tentative signs of the possible approach of better weather, the Rotary Club of Anstruther was delighted to welcome Shona Muirhead and Elsie Johnston from St Ayles rowing Club. By way of an excellent illustrated talk we learned of the founding of the club in May 2010 as part of a community project. The aim then was to bring together people of all ages (club members range from 18 to 80 and with their oldest rowing member being 72) who wanted to get involved with something that would not only help their fitness, but more importantly be a way of getting to know people in the area - and have fun along the way.

The initial idea behind this came from the Scottish Fisheries Museum, which commissioned the first skiff - and the Scottish Coastal Rowing Project, whose aim was to have communities building and rowing the boats in inter-community regattas.

Many fine pictures told the story of the building of their skiffs – all from marine ply kits and to a standardized design, with completion costs of £3500 to 5000. A method that Shona and Elsie described as being a bit like a giant Airfix kit! St Ayles club now has three skiffs – ‘Chris O’ Kinnaird’ launched in 2009, ‘St Ayles’ launched 2010 and ‘Coull D’ in 2014.

A crew consists of four rowers, all taking one oar each and the Cox who ensures correct timing is kept and safety for all on onboard. It was interesting to hear just how popular this form of rowing has become, with more than 144 boats around the world and 20 kits sold in the UK – and all since a first boat was launched in 2009. The pictures provided an inspiring record of the great enthusiasm and fun visible at regular meetings and regattas, held at many locations across Scotland. 

More about St Ayles club is at (http://www.staylesrc.org.uk)