We are delighted to have the support of the UK Government to bring a community boatshed to the Isle. DEFRA’s UK Seafood Recreational Sea Fishing Infrastructure Round 4 funding of £100,000 is an incredible boost to our drive to reach just shy of £700,000 to meet the ever increasing costs of building our shed.

We hope the shed will provide a great space from which to organise local fishing competitions, and provide the perfect place for local leisure anglers to complete minor repairs to their craft under cover. Thankyou to Dougie, Darren, James and Barry for providing us with photos that show just how amazing the fishing is in our waters.

Our Buy a Brick campaign is really important to us, to enable people to commemorate a loved one, or promote for ever a charitable cause by buying space on the inside or the outside of your boatshed. Every penny raised counts! Have a look at our new Community Boatshed page to be kept up to date with progress.

DEFRA announced the funding award on 17th October 2023.

The UK Government press release announced more than £3.2 million funding from the UK Seafood Fund to three Scottish projects.

The projects were:

Scottish White Fish Producers Association – Scottish seafood centre of excellence (Fraserburgh). £3m. To create a high-quality industry facility with purpose-built classrooms, areas for technical training, and technology demonstration spaces. It will support blended training delivery (online and in-person) resulting in trainees located around the country to be connected to the centre.

University of the Highlands and Islands (Shetland) – upgrade the maritime bridge simulator at the institution’s Scalloway campus. £138,411.00. To facilitate onboard training for entrants and experienced seafarers in a safe environment, improving the efficiency and sustainability of key maritime industries.

Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club (Isle of Whithorn) – to build a boatshed. £100,000. For leisure anglers to maintain and repair craft, as well as provide access to showers, toilets, and changing facilities. The space will also be used to carry out boat building and store sub aqua and coastal rowing kit

We are so proud of our team. Hamish, Jacqueline, John, Becki, Elaine and Athena have been training for months to be fit enough to take part in Monster the Loch on Saturday 23rd September 2023. They travelled up to Loch Ness with Breagha on Friday, supported by Allison and Joselyn, and brought back medals and T shirts on Sunday after completing the 21 mile event. Fantastic work!!!!

When the sign’s out we’re in! We have started to build our new racing skiff. We have new builders and those who were with us for building Breagha, it is great to be back! Thanks to Shaun we have our loaned space to build in, and thanks to everyone who offers their support so generously we have loaned G clamps, and tools. We try to build at least one day a week. Watch Facebook for updates, or email us at wigtownbaycoastalrowing@gmail.com to find out more.

In May 2023 we applied again for planning permission to construct a community boatshed on land donated to us by Tonderghie Holdings, at the rear of Harbour Row, Isle of Whithorn DG8 8LL. Our planning application can be found under reference number 23/1079/FUL. We have funding in place from Sportscotland Facilities Fund, and Dumfries and Galloway Regionwide Coastal Benefit Fund, and are incredibly grateful for that support. However, with the massive increase in construction costs in the last 24 months, we know we have another £300,000 to secure in funding before we can begin building. We shall be launching an appeal for funds shortly. Watch this space.

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