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International rowers gather for SkiffieWorlds championship

Colin Hattersley A boat crew dressed in bright yellow wave a range of flags while sitting in a yellow, white and blue boat on the south of Scotland shorelineColin Hattersley
The colourful boats at the SkiffieWorlds are generally community-built

More than 2,000 rowers from around the globe are expected in south west Scotland for the SkiffieWorlds championship.

The world championships for the St Ayles class coastal rowing boats is taking place on Loch Ryan, near Stranraer, from Sunday for seven days.

A record-breaking 79 clubs from as far afield as Australia, South Africa, the USA and Canada are set to make it the biggest ever gathering of the colourful community-built boats.

Events begin with an opening ceremony before the competition and an on-shore festival get under way.

Saskia Coulson A blue, white and yellow boat with a Scotland flag on it rows out into the still waters of Loch RyanSaskia Coulson
The event was last held in Stranraer six years ago

The SkiffieWorlds attracted about 30,000 visitors when they were previously held in Stranraer in 2019 and are estimated to have generated up to £4m for the local economy.

But is is hoped the 2025 edition will surpass those figures.

The event is the world championship for the St Ayles class of coastal rowing boat and takes place every three years.

The St Ayles skiff is a 22-foot (6.7m) fixed-seat rowing boat designed specifically for community building and coastal rowing.

Each boat is typically built by the community that rows it.

Wendi Cuffe, trustee of Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA), said: "SkiffieWorlds is a world championship rowing event, but it's about so much more than competition.

"It's a celebration of community, connection, active participation and coastal heritage.

"The shoreside festival programme reflects everything that makes this sport special, from the international friendships forged through shared love of the water to the wellbeing benefits that keep people coming back to rowing."

The championships will see more than 100 races across a number of age categories.

Big screens will show live drone footage with commentary for spectators on the shore.

Stranraer water sports hub

The youngest competitor is 14, while the oldest is thought to be 81.

Rebecca Edser, head of EventScotland, said it was delighted to support the event which could encourage economic growth and bring physical, mental and social benefits.

The competition showcases wider efforts to boost Stranraer's transformation into a major water sports destination.

Work started earlier this year on a water sports hub in the town and it is scheduled to open next summer.