St. Ayles Skiff

Over 250 boats have been built worldwide, mostly by communities around the Scottish coast but increasingly by groups elsewhere, including England, Northern Ireland, The Netherlands, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, France and New Zealand.

[1] In 2009 as part of The Scottish Fisheries Museum’s strategy to stimulate boat-building activities, discussions were held with Jordan Boats to develop a new kit.

North Berwick rower and enthusiast Robbie Wightman had, simultaneously, considered a similar scheme and supported the development of the project to spread beyond Fife to become a national initiative.

SCRA continues to encourages community involvement in the construction and rowing of the St. Ayles skiff and maintains a Craft Register.

Competitive events often include several categories, with races for varying age groups and for novices, encouraging wider community involvement.

The event was attended by over 30 clubs from Scotland, England, the Netherlands, The United States and Tasmania and was formally opened by The Princess Royal.

In keeping with the spirit of Scottish Coastal Rowing the event also included a significant social element, allowing participants from the communities attending to meet and socialise together.

In July 2016 the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership, Scottish Coastal Rowing Association, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council, together with local rowing clubs based on Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula hosted “Skiffie Worlds 2016”.

The event was attended by 50 clubs from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, The United States, Canada and Tasmania.