5 HARBOURS & AN ISLAND ROW

Published 22:57 on 17 May 2025

This is a row organised by Findochty Water Sports Club (FWSC) and is a fun based row from Portsoy to Findochty.

It took place on Saturday 10th May. BFB managed to gather 14 members to participate. It was an early start on the Saturday to ensure we arrived in time to launch for 9am. The actual route is as follows:

Portsoy-Sandend Bay (Findlater Castle) -Cullen-(past Bow Fiddle Rock) Portknockie - Findochty - Craigenroan island - Findochty. 

The crew changes were Cullen and Portknockie

A flotilla of 22 skiffs from around Scotland and 4 yachts left Portsoy and were a magnificent sight to see from both land and sea. Crew 1 were lucky enough to be accompanied by the famous Moray Firth dolphins on route to Cullen, where we had our first refreshment stop with tea / coffee and cake on offer for a small donation. Some of us also managed a cultural visit to the Cullen Sea School where we saw a long boat being built to be burnt at a festive later in the year. When we arrived at Findochty another fine spread of food a was waiting including a selection of cake and buffet again for a small donation  The weather was absolutely scorching and the Moray Firth was flat calm, which helped show the coastline of the area in all its scenic glory. During the voyage, we passed some local landmarks including, Findlater Castle, Sandend Bay and the Bow Fiddle rock. Crew 3 managed to row around Craigenroan Island and in true James spirit, arrived back first into Findochty harbour.

We all agreed it was a brilliant day and thanks goes to the organisers from FWSC who raised £1170 for the local RNLI. A great achievement.

All participants received a memento of the day, which, according to James gives him the same amount of medals as Rory plus 2 islands those that know know!!

I would also like to thank all those who participated from BFB in making a brilliant day… fantastic

Donald Shand

Last updated 22:57 on 17 May 2025