Skiff built by volunteers set for launch

A TWENTY-TWO foot skiff built by a group of volunteers as part of the Scottish Coastal Rowing Project is set to be launched at a Lothian harbour.

The boat, to be named "The Volunteer", is set to be launched at a formal ceremony next Saturday at 2pm at Dunbar's Victoria Harbour, from the slip in front of the sailing club premises.

The venture, supported by grant funding, local charities and private donations, recalls former days when Dunbar had its own boat-building enterprise at the Cromwell Harbour.

The Volunteer, and its sister boat which is presently under construction, will take part in regattas and inter-community rowing around the Scottish coast.

It is one of around 20 boats being built across Scottish coastal communities as part of the Scottish Coastal Rowing Project, which aims to encourage traditional boat building and racing.

Anyone interested in coastal rowing is encouraged to come along to the launch. Log on to www.dunbarcoastalrowing.org.uk, or contact club secretary Alistair Mackie.