The connection between Scotland’s landscape and our rich heritage of cultural traditions is being brought to life for Plockton High School pupils - thanks to Forestry Commission Scotland.
Pupils involved in the ‘Am Bata’ project have recently taken delivery of some oak and fir planking - milled at the Commissions Lorne Forest Mill.
The timbers will be used to build and repair clinker built sailing boats, to the design that is unique to Plockton.
Jamie Kean, Head of Technology at Plockton High School, said:
"We are absolutely delighted with the latest delivery of oak and larch planks. It's excellent quality - which is what we need - and will really help us with the project. I also think it’s vital for the kids to see locally sourced wood being used."
Trainees begin to pick up their boatbuilding skills by working on an older boat in need of repair – which gets them scraping, sanding, painting and oiling.
Boatbuilding tutor, Mark Stockl, said:
"The wood is a fantastic gift for the project. Sourcing wood of this quality can be really time consuming and costly so the Commission’s involvement really helps"
Last year pupils involved with the project worked with Commission ranger, Stuart Findlay, to plant 300 European larch in the school grounds that will grow into mature woodland – and a sustainable source of timber.
Stuart Findlay, for the Commission in Inverness, Ross & Skye, said:
"We were delighted to supply oak for boat ribs to Am Bata.
“It’s a great way to introduce the pupils to the whole idea of sustainable forestry and gives them a real insight into how landscape and culture are connected.
“Their high quality craftsmanship makes the best possible use of our sustainable Scottish timber and we’re happy to help these talented and creative youngsters keep these traditional boat building skills alive.”
Notes to Editor
1) Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate and manages the 667,000 hectare national forest estate. The Commission’s woodlands are making a difference to the well being of Scotland’s people and their communities. www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.
2) Heritage Lottery Funding for the project ends this year and the project team are looking to establish a limited company with charitable status to keep the project going.
Media Enquiries
Paul Munro, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, 0131 314 6507