TURNING THE TIDE
The moment of truth has arrived. Will the boat sink or keep high and dry? For 12 weeks the Scottish Boat Building School’s trainees have toiled. Sawing, sanding, drilling until, out of nothing but timber, glue, paint and their newly acquired skills, they have fashioned a St Ayles skiff, inspired by historic coastal rowing boats of Scotland.
A handsome vessel with its navy and baby blue striped body and mahogany gunnel edging, it attracts attention as it’s wheeled on a trailer the 200 yards from the school workshop to Irvine’s harbour. After a whisky-filled quaich (a ceremonial drinking bowl) is passed round for courage, the trailer pulls away. A cheer resounds as the boat, , holds its own. Soon the cox and four rowers are cutting through the muddy waters, past herons wading through the adjoining salt marshes, and out onto the sea green Firth of Clyde, where, on this rare clear day, they can see across to the Isle of Arran.
