Skylark IX canoes back on Loch Lomond

In October we teamed up with Loch Lomond Leisure and West Dunbartonshire Council NTS Project to take a small group of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children out on our community built canoes on Loch Lomond.
The group were treated to two days of guided canoeing, where we visited a selection of the loch’s islands including Inchconnachan, famously known for its unusual population of wallabies which was much to the young people’s amusement!
The weather was on our side both days, with the sun beating down on Ben Lomond and the water calm and mild – perfect for beginners. Although many were nervous before heading out onto the loch, they soon gained confidence and were even racing each other to and from the islands!

The sessions were hugely meaningful and impactful for the young people, allowing them to gain confidence, new skills and friendship in a welcoming and supported environment. Lunches were provided by Miller & Cook who very thoughtfully included some Irn Bru and Tunnocks Caramel Wafers for our New Scots to try out!

Over the two sessions we were supported by Gerry from Alternatives WD, and ex-Skylark staff member Jade who was delighted to be back out on the water helping out on a project close to her heart.

Gerry said “Canoeing in such beautiful surroundings [with] the boys who took part made it even more memorable and was great to spend time with the young guys from all different backgrounds”

Jade said “this was really poignant, as [the support workers] were saying ‘This is the first we’ve been able to spend quality time with the boys’. They’ve been so busy in the 24/7 duties they have, being so stretched between the two of them caring for all 22 kids in their remit. It’s been really meaningful for them all clearly”

We hope to reconnect with the young New Scots again soon, and share more about the Skylark IX history and story. And who knows, perhaps we’ll have some new rowers signing up as a result!

These sessions were made possible with thanks to West Dunbartonshire Council Community Budgeting Fund.

Filed under: News