Am Bàta – traditional boat building at Plockton High School

A short 8-minute film highlighting the incredible traditional boat building project at Plockton High School is available to watch now on the Council’s YouTube channel.

Am Bàta is a unique collaboration, running successfully since 2007, between the school’s Technology Department and Ullapool based professional boatbuilder Mark Stockl.

Vice Convener of the Council and local Ward 5 Member, Cllr Biz Campbell said: “Launch day is an exciting event in Plockton! The celebration begins with a procession of the completed boat down the street which is always a fun spectacle for everyone involved. The community each year look forward to a shared moment of jubilation when the boat finally reaches the water after months of labour from our talented young people.

“Plockton is a beautiful coastal village. This project provides a service to our local community by building and repairing boats using traditional methods and materials while also preserving skills which have been handed down for generations.”

The experience is different to a traditional day of school as pupils spend the full day in the workshop and do not need to wear a school uniform.

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “Having been a Head Teacher in Plockton for 12 years in the 90’s, I know how important sailing and sea activities are to the local community and how important the traditional skills associated with boat building are for both Plockton and the west coast generally. Involving our young people in education out with the classroom which develops practical skills is something I am keen to see happening in more schools and I congratulate Plockton High School and the local community for supporting the innovative and relevant Am Bàta project.”

The short film features staff, former and current pupils who share their thoughts on the project and the impact this has had on themselves as well as the local community.