Ward support for Sea Scouts
The 1st Avoch Sea Scouts are now able to work away on boat repairs after
reopening their stores thanks to the generosity of The Highland Council’s Black Isle Ward Discretionary Fund.
Following the sea scouts recent inspection by the Royal Navy, concern was raised that the stores were in a poor state of repair with a leaking asbestos roof and damp throughout the building. The Black Isle Ward Councillors Billy Barclay, Craig Fraser, Isobel McCallum and David Alston unanimously agreed to support the refurbishment of the Council owned building with a grant from the ward discretionary fund and a contribution from the Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service.
With help from local contractors, members of the community, parents and friends the building has been given a new roof, repairs have been carried out to the stonework, and new windows, doors and electrics have been fitted. The refurbished stores comprising of a garage, quartermaster's store, engineer's workshop and bosun's store are back in use and youngsters aged 10 to 18 are learning how to look after the fleet of 15 boats.
On behalf of the Ward Members, Councilor Billy Barclay said: “The building was in a very poor state of repair and with 40 regular young people learning boatbuilding and repairing skills and keeping the culture and heritage of the seabased skills in the community alive, we all felt that it was important to ensure this opportunity continued. We searched for partner funders but this proved very difficult so we just had to go for it. Without the dedication and work of the Group leaders and the many volunteers and tradesmen who assisted this would not have been possible and it is a good example working together.“
Skipper Derek Martin said: "The whole Ship's Company are delighted to continue to receive the support of our local community in providing sea based activities for young people of the Black Isle. I am particularly thankful to The Highland Council’s Black Isle Ward for supporting 40 young people through their generous help."