The Port of Cromarty Firth (POCF) has announced funding of £1,839 for the Alness and Invergordon Rowing Club (AIR), supporting the club’s efforts to grow coastal rowing participation across the Cromarty Firth.
This funding will enable the club to purchase a road trailer for Averon, its newly built St Ayles Skiff. The trailer will allow the community to take the skiff to new areas of the Firth, attend regattas, and introduce more local people to the physical, social, and mental health benefits of coastal rowing. The support reflects the Port’s commitment to investing in community wellbeing and encouraging engagement with the region’s maritime heritage.
Averon, which was hand-built over 18 months by a group of local volunteers using everyday DIY tools, was launched in September this year after the donation of a skiff kit by Invergordon resident, John Henderson. The project was made possible thanks to Alness businessman David Skea, who provided workshop space, and the boat was welcomed into the water with support from neighbouring rowing clubs in Portmahomack, Cromarty, and Strathpeffer.
Since its launch, Averon, painted in the Port’s light blue, dark blue and white colours, has been based at Invergordon Boating Club. The skiff has already begun attracting new members keen to explore the Firth.
The new road trailer will allow the club to expand its activities significantly. This includes attending friendly regattas, continuing a long-standing St Ayles Skiff tradition dating back to friendly competitions between Fife mining communities, as well as taking Averon to community events such as the Invergordon RNLI Open Day.
Sylva Rybanska, Chairperson of the Alness and Invergordon Rowing Club, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the Port Authority for supporting us. The new road trailer will allow us to reach more people, introduce them to rowing, and showcase the amazing wildlife and history of the Cromarty Firth from a completely different viewpoint.”
Alex Campbell, Chief Executive at the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “We’re delighted to support the Alness and Invergordon Rowing Club as it builds on the success of its new community built skiff. Coastal rowing is a fantastic way for people of all ages to connect with the water, stay active, and enjoy the unique environment of the Cromarty Firth. We’re proud to play a part in helping the club grow.”
The Community Sponsorship Programme aspires to improve, safeguard and develop Cromarty Firth communities, for the benefit of local people.
Community projects, schools or local charities based in one of the nine communities that border the Cromarty Firth are welcome to apply for support. They can do so by submitting an application form stating the project’s objectives, aspirations and the benefits to the community, along with a letter/email of support from their local Community Council.
Projects must be collaborative and meet one of four eligibility criteria:
- Skills development, employability or job creation,
- Vessel crew or passenger support,
- Environmental protection or enhancement,
- Events or projects which encourage inter-community collaboration.
Application forms are available on the Port of Cromarty Firth website or from [email protected].
