All aboard the Skylark – joy as Lottery Fund comes up with the cash to save it
The Skylark – There was a man who bought a boat to sail away and it sank.
By Liz Healey
It gave pleasure to thousands of people over the years with trips around the Bonnie Banks and islands of Loch Lomond.
And many of those same people looked on in sadness from Balloch Bridge as, over the years, the old boat became neglected, shipped water and sank in the River Leven.
But now Skylark IX, which is credited with saving the lives of 600 men during the battle of Dunkirk in 1940, will set sail once more, thanks to a grant of £404,000 from The National Lottery.
The Skylark Recovery Trust have been working tirelessly since 2012 to get the project off the ground and build support for the boat’s restoration within the community.
Secretary of the Trust Mary Burch said: “We are over the moon. We could not stop crying when we heard the news.”
Local MSP Jackie Baillie said: “This is tremendous news. I am really delighted to hear that Skylark IX will be restored and turned into a floating museum. The ship played an important role in our history, saving 600 lives during WW2.
“I want to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund but, more importantly, I want to thank all the volunteers who have persevered for many years supporting the Skylark. I know that people across Scotland will welcome the restoration and I look forward to the day when the museum opens on the Clyde.”
The restoration will be undertaken by a specialist boat- building team.
The Trust have worked to secure a successful partnership with recovering drug addicts as part of a skills development programme, run by Dumbarton-based charity, Alternatives.
The group have also build strong relationships with local primary schools to make sure the story of the Skylark IX is passed down through the generations.
Lucy Casot, of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “The Skylark IX is a part of Scotland’s WW2 history and we are delighted that thanks to players of the National Lottery, she will be saved to share her incredible story.
“As part of her recovery, others will recover too, learning skills that will help secure them a better future. I look forward to seeing this Little Ship’s transformation and the enjoyment and learning she will bring to very many people.”
The project aims to offer 10 paid traineeships which will lead to recognised qualifications in woodworking skills.
Once restored, the Skylark IX will share her story with visitors through the help of community volunteers during a short sail down the Clyde from Bowling to Dumbarton Castle.
Anne Dyer from the Skylark IX Recovery Trust said: “Today is a great day for us all. Skylark IX Recovery Trust is so pleased to finally commence with our mission. Not one day did we ever believe we could not face this huge challenge and in true Dunkirk Spirit we never gave up. The support from the community has been huge and our vision to continue the Skylark story will ring out for generations to come.”