Cullen Sea School welcome new hand at the helm
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AS Cullen Sea school (CSS) gear up for what will be their eighth season, they have welcomed a face to the team.
Coming aboard to join the sea school crew is development officer Beth Dobson, who takes over the first incumbent, David McCubbin.
She brings with her a variety of experience to bring to bear on driving CSS forward. Her CV includes a stint at Moray College a childcare assessor delivering SVQs and working for the Boys' Brigade as a development officer, first of all for the North East then the North Scottish Area.
The chance to work for a charity was a major attraction of the role at CSS, which is run by the Three Harbours Association (THA) which covers Cullen, Portknockie and Findochty.
Beth said: "After having worked for the BBs in a charity role it was wonderful to be able to work for an organisation with aims I believe in and having the chance to work with young people and reaching out to communities.
"It's amazing to be part of helping passing on boatbuilding skills to the next generation and helping to protect the environment. It's great to see kids and young people being outdoors and engaged in sport; it's so important for them to develop new skills and to learn new things.
"I'm delighted to have the opportunity be involved in this.
"I've been to Cullen many times on holiday and I run a lot along this beautiful coastline. It's great to be able to promote this."
Beth went on to say she would be working to increase schools’ participation and attract the involvement of youth organisations, both local and throughout the country. She will, with the help of Neil Murray, Outdoor and Project Based Learning teacher at Banff Academy, help develop the recently established partnership with Banff Academy covering all activities at CSS.
This will form the template for schools and youth involvement generally and is important for the long-term sustainability of the sea school. Membership is growing steadily from all three local communities and beyond.
THA chairman Professor Ashley Mowat said the role of development officer had been a key component of the sea school's emergence from the years of Covid lockdown.
He continued: "It's all about recovery from the Covid period.
"We got funding for David – initially for a year which we managed to get extended to 18 months – with the idea of rebuilding the the sea school in the eyes of the community.
"Due to Covid nothing had happened for a period of two years or so.
"David got the current website in place which allows people to book places on courses and activities run here at the sea school, you can do that from all over the world.
"It's really extended the sea school's reach beyond the three communities and is helping us build for the future.
"Since its inception over 10 years ago Cullen Sea School has come a long way thanks to the hard work and dedication of many people too numerous to name, but includes trustees, members, funding agencies, Moray Council, schools, other local groups, friends and supporters from everywhere; the list is humbling.
"With the continuing commitment of everyone we are well-placed."
The sea school's volunteer boatbuilders led by Bert Reid, Willie Henderson and Malcolm Hope have just completed the eighth St Ayles skiff to help promote healthy coastal rowing for existing and new charities throughout Scotland.
Cullen Sea School is unique in having the experience of former shipwrights Bert and Willie to pass on their skills. Tribute has been paid to the major contribution of former shipwright and colleague Bill Dunbar who sadly passed away several months ago in the form of a skiff named in his honour.
The boatbuilding now include Luke Middleton and Michael Baillie who have joined on a work experience scheme funded by the Moray Employers Recruitment Incentive fund. CSS is looking to expand this source of recruitment. There are considerable opportunities for inclusion in these schemes with details available from the sea school.
The Eileen Dubh skiff is the latest skiff built at Cullen Sea School and is much appreciated by the members of the recently established North Kessock Rowing Club. She will take to the water soon as a welcome addition to the expanding coastal rowing in the Moray Firth.
Watersports and dinghy sailing continue to thrive under the management of Mel Newton and the expert tutelage of instructor Angela Hunter and activities are very visible in historic Cullen Harbour and bay. Financial support is available for disadvantaged groups through the Health and Social Care Moray Third Sector Support Fund and Moray Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund with details again available through Cullen Sea School.
Beth works Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and can be reached at enquiries@cullenseaschool.co.uk or by phone at (01542) 840830.
For more information on Cullen Sea School, or to book a place on a course or activity, visit their website at www.cullenseaschool.co.uk
