Johan Lochridge says

Good Luck, I won't be rowing but am more than happy to sponsor some of the rowers. Does anyone have sponsor sheets yet

Eleanor Newton says

I signed sponsor sheet today in the Crocodile craft studio.

Emma Newton says

Fab Johan! There are sponsor sheets in various places including Crocodile Crafts and The Newton! Thank you so much :-)

Tom McAulay says

Whilst the Cumbrae skiff is a fine piece of craftmanship and a credit to the island, the initial posting doesnt explain why is there a need to raise public funds for a privately owned boat and to what use these funds would be put? The suggestion is that the skiff would be taken off the island but why? Can anyone fill in the blanks please? Much obliged 

Sandy Morton says

Tom.  There is a very simple explanation but I will not put it on here.  If you, or anyone else, wishes to hear it come and see me, I'm in my workshop most days and if I am the door will be open.

Emma Newton says

Hi Tom,

At present the skiff is privately owned and the owner wants to sell it. He has a potential buyer from up north. However, the boat was built as a community project and a huge number of islanders would like to see her become community owned.

The plan is to set up, in liaison with Royal West and the Watersports Centre, a rowing club, for local children and adults, promoting sports participation and community spirit.

There are a number of different sectors of the community working on this project as it is close to everyone's hearts. The boat will become a community asset - hence the 'public' funding (or actually, private fundraising). A lot of the money is coming from businesses and individuals on the island who have apporoached us with no hidden agenda.

Unfortunately, this has come at a time when some of the principal organisers are caught up with business or organising the August events calendar. As such, our publicity has more been via word of mouth. I can assure you wholeheartedly that the intention is for everyone to be involved.

If you want further info or even want to row, pop in and see me at Croc Crafts or phone me on 07917862886.

Sandy Morton says

I should have added that I also have a sponsor sheet if anyone wishes to contribute although it is not obligatory!

Sandy Morton says

The skiff will be on Newton Beach from 12noon on Wednesday.  Rowing in the bay will commence at 12.30 and the big adventure of the row round the Wee Cumbrae will commenve at 3.30.  Good luck to all those involved.

Tom McAulay says

Emma, many thanks for the background. I can understand why the community would want to keep the skiff on the island and the idea for a rowing club sounds great - maybe future olympians will emerge!! When (not if) the skiff officially becomes a community asset it would be a real coup if we could persuade one of the recent scottish TeamGB rowers (Catherine Grainger maybe) to offcially launch the community Cumbrae skiff. Best of luck.