Work under way on Cullen Sea School expansion
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IT is full steam ahead for a local sea school as their work on their bold expansion plans gets under way.
Cullen Sea School (CSS), run by charity Three Harbours Association (THA), have announced that construction works have begun on site at Cullen Harbour to undertake a major refurbishment of what is known locally as the old ‘parliament’ building.
The building works will allow for creation of a new multi- purpose space on the top floor of the building to be used as a booking office, to deliver classroom training and as a community meeting place at other times.
In the summer months, locals and visitors will be able to take advantage of a new retail kiosk, refurbished toilets and improved picnic seating area.
The building has been obtained under a long term lease from the Moray Council and building conversion is being carried out by Stewart Wilson Joinery.
One of those delighted to see work get started was THA chairman Prof Ashley Mowat.
He said: "None of the this would have been possible without funding from Highland and Moray FLAG European and Maritime Fisheries Fund Programme and Scottish Government, in addition to the Beatrice fund, sources not normally available to local authorities.
"CSS would like to thank the funders, the Moray Council, and all that have provided support in getting to this point.’’
Cullen Sea School recently re-opened after the main Covid-19 lockdown and is currently offering paddle sports and sailing sessions to CSS members and to the general public.
Prof Mowat stressed that the sea school is taking the Covid-19 lockdown and guidance very seriously and have put into place a new way of operating to keep everyone safe.
The main sea school building off Portlong Road has had to remain closed for now and customers have to wear their own wet suits and shoes. Helmets and life jackets are provided by the sea school and are sanitised.
While social distancing has to be practised both on and off the water at all times, the sessions have proved extremely popular since re-launching and continue until the end of August for paddlesports and end of September for sailing sessions.
All water sports are subject to availability, tides and weather conditions and all participants will need to sign a consent form before the session starts.
Full details of dates, times, prices and availability of sessions can be found at www.cullenseaschool.co.uk
Cullen Sea School operates a small boat building/repair workshop, meeting/instruction space and showering/changing facilities including provision for disabled people.
The water sports season runs from May to October while users can enjoy shore-based classes all year round.
CSS have an AALA licence and an RYA affiliation in place, ensuring that courses are safe and fun at the same time. Users do not have to be a boat owner or have had any prior experience to become a member or attend a course at the sea school.
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