North Kessock Rowing Club aims for unity
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A disagreement over the whereabouts of a bottle bank saw the people of North Kessock divided, prompting a 77-year-old to set out to resolve tensions by forming a rowing club.
Keith Brill said the idea first came about because he was amazed that North Kessock was one of the only coastal locations without a club.
“I thought it was about time that everyone started pulling together again – let bygones be bygones,” he said. “I posted on Facebook [about the idea of the club] and it was a hit!
“We set up a meeting, a representative of the Coastal Rowing Association came to present at it – everyone was astonished and there was a unanimous ‘yes’ to the rowing club!”
Shortly after, Mr Brill headed an eight-strong committee and attempted to find a boat, fast: “We wanted to get bums on a seat and out on the water as soon as possible, so finding a boat was imperative.”
The boat – paid for through donations, pub quiz fundraisers and a £7500 lottery – was finally purchased.
The committee also managed to secure the club its own bank account as well as register it as an official charity.
The boat was taken out onto the water for practice before the club’s official launch.
Mr Brill said: “[The event] was a big hurrah! We were absolutely amazed to have a turnout like it. We had local clubs come and support us, [some] taking to the water and giving their oar salutes. The RNLI cheered for us too.”
The happy occasion also saw local woman Margaret Macdonald bless the club’s beloved boat, named Eilean Dubh.
Mr Brill said: “I asked Margaret if she’d like to bless the club and boat at the launch, due to the salt water being in her veins. She replied ‘indeed, I’d be honoured, so long as I get a dram,’ and that was that.”
Mrs Macdonald, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, has been in the North Kessock area since she was two years old.
She said: “The event was a wonderful experience and a great honour to be a part of.
“I’ve been out on boats since I was wee – I’ve already been out on the Eilean Dubh and I’ll soon be going on her again!”
The new rowing club prides itself on being inclusive of all people. “Our aim is to get as many people in our village, no matter what their ability – youngsters, older people, those with sensory or physical disability or even with mental health problems – whatever challenges they face, bringing people together and getting out on the Beauly Firth is the main objective for us,” Mr Brill said.
Steering towards the future, the club has set up rowing sessions on Thursdays and Sundays each week for around 20 members.
The group expressed gratitude for all the support so far, especially thanking Gael Force Marine in Inverness which was described as being an outstanding sponsor.
