Rhona Cameron Opens Eskmuthe's Boatshed
Comedian and writer Rhona Cameron cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of Eskmuthe Rowing Club’s boatshed at Fisherrow Harbour.
Rhona, who grew up in Musselburgh, enjoyed a bumpy row with club members before joining the celebrations.
She described how she enjoys swimming at Fisherrow on her regular visits to Musselburgh, which was the setting for her autobiographical book 1979: A Big Year in a Small Town.
She said at the boatshed opening: “Being out on the sea and breathing fresh air is so important for our health and well-being in this difficult world.”
The event was attended by representatives of organisations who have helped Eskmuthe with the long-running boatshed project, including the main funders, East Lothian Council and SportScotland. Also in attendance was John Williamson, a former East Lothian councillor and Eskmuthe member who had the original idea for the boat shed.
The boatshed project started to give the club a purpose-built space to maintain their two coastal rowing boats, Honesty - named after the Honest Toun of Musselburgh, and Steedie Falconer, named after one of the Fisherrow area’s last surviving fishwives.
Gaynor Allen, Club Captain, who led the boasted project, said it had been a long and hard journey, with a number of setbacks, including disruption and increasing costs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
She raised a laugh when she said: “I’ve had four children and this is the most painful thing I’ve ever done. But the boatshed is a wonderful asset for the club, and it’s been an incredible community effort by the club, many supporters and funders to make this happen.
"We were delighted to have Eamon John and Ed Hendrickson from East Lothian Council, and David Ewart from Sportscotland, in attendance to show them what a fabulous and well-used facility has been created thanks to their support.
“Our two boats are very well-used and need constant maintenance to help our thriving club to row and race. The boatshed has been crucial to provide the space we need to carry out that vital maintenance.”
Simon Francis, Eskmuthe Rowing Club Chair, said: “It was fantastic to mark the official opening of the boatshed, which is already a club hub for both repairs and maintenance, and for social events.
“Club members worked very hard to make the boatshed look great on the night, and to serve food and drinks to thank all those people who helped us along the way.
“We’re glad Rhona Cameron could be there as someone with close ties to the area. She seemed to enjoy the row, although conditions were far from perfect!”
