Boatshed and storage
The bright yellow doors to Avoch Community Rowing Club’s new boatshed have been flung open. A party to celebrate the completion of the new building took place in the Black Isle village at the end of 2024, with a large group of locals and visitors gathering to mark the event.
This was the culmination of countless hours of planning and years of fundraising by the ‘skiffies’ to reach the £160,000 target. The Gordon & Ena Baxter Foundation was among supporters, agreeing a £10,000 award in August 2023 to help them across the finishing line..
Fundraising was completed in January 2024, with the ground cut a few months later in early April. By the end of November, the boatshed was complete. We were delighted to be at the opening ceremony to join the celebrations, which included music by Feis Ross.
The building - which includes a kitchen, storeroom, toilets and workshop area - was really needed. Previously, the boats were stored outside and there was nowhere to undertake maintenance works or for members to meet for fundraising and social events. It will also enable the club to train indoors when the weather is too bad for rowing.
As well as creating a hub for club members, the boatshed will also be available for other local groups to use.