EAST Lothian’s newest community rowing club has started work building its second skiff, with the help of a local craftsman.

Members of Eskmuthe Rowing Club are working with Stuart MacDonald to learn the skills of boat building and create their new skiff.

The Fisherrow rowers have already started the project, which is taking place at Prestongrange Museum, where members have already built a frame and begun to cut out the boat kit.

The club are regularly seen on the water in their first boat Honesty, which was completed just over a year ago.

Club member Norman Rodger, project manager for the new build, said: “Our club has gone from strength to strength over the last year and we felt the time was right to build a second boat.

“We are delighted that Stuart has agreed to help teach us all the skills needed to make another skiff, and are really looking forward to being a part of this exciting project.” Work began on the new boat at the start of the month and it is hoped it will be completed by February next year.

Some of the boat builders who crafted the Honesty have also offered their services and will be regular visitors to Prestongrange over the winter.

Community rowing was revived in 2009 when the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther, Fife, looked to revive the art of boat building in the area.

Eskmuthe Rowing Club is one of four in East Lothian, the other three being based in Cockenzie and Port Seton, North Berwick and Dunbar.

The Musselburgh club held its first regatta in July and has attended several events in the Firth of Forth this year.

The Eskmuthe Regatta, at the end of the Musselburgh Festival week, was attended and enjoyed by Boatie Blest (Port Seton), Anstruther, Pittenweem, Portobello and Queensferry rowing clubs.

To follow the progress of the build visit the club’s blog www.eskmuthe.wordpress.com