The germination of an idea
The idea to build a St Ayles Skiff first came to life in early 2018 and gained momentum when a Facebook post to gauge interest resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response. People from Sconser, Dornie, Kintail and Elgol, Broadford,Plockton and further afield expressed an interest in being involved and a committee was soon formed to set about fundraising.
Fundraising efforts begin
By September of that year, with funding secured from Sport Scotland and more locally, donations from Inverinate Estate, Eilean Donan Castle and Mowi Scotland there were enough funds in the coffers to go ahead and purchase the kit, and with the generous offer of a workshop in Kyle, building began in earnest.
Boat building starts
Everyone was welcome to help build the jigs, moulds and eventually the boat and after twelve months hard work she was starting to take shape and was shown in her unfinished state at Kyle Maritime Day.
The choice of a name
The newly emerging skiff was going to need a name and following a poll, Saucy Mary received the most votes. The name creates a link between her working area of Lochalsh, Castle Moil and Kyleakin with the Viking fable of King Haakon and Princess Saucy Mary and the famous chain that they ran across the Kyle’s to ensure passing ships paid a toll to be allowed to pass through. Today, as crews row her bright red hull in front of Castle Moil, Saucy provides a vivid hint of days gone by.
Launch
After 6 more months hard work, Saucy Mary was finally launched on Sunday 15th March 2020, 8 days before the first UK national lockdown due to Covid 19.
Sadly, that meant that after her launch, she was back on her trailer and stored until the pandemic had passed and it was not until early 2021 that rowing was once again allowed, with special measures in place.
A long-lasting legacy and thanks to…
From those early days, and in spite of her staggered start, Saucy Mary has brought people from all walks of life together on the water. Coastal rowing has provided a completely new experience and opportunity for many.
We hope Saucy Mary’s legacy will continue well into the future and it is thanks to all the people who first brought the idea of a St Ayles Skiff for Skye and Lochalsh to life, and worked so hard to make it happen.
They include James Phimister, Fiona McKinstray, Alan Howie, Iain Macleod, Eddie and many more. (Let us know who we have missed so we can add your name too). Thank you.
South Skye & Lochalsh Coastal Rowing Club 