Boatbuilding in Govan

Wood fashioned into attractive objects has been an unintentional theme over the last couple of days and today a visit to the workshop of Galgael in Govan gave me an insight into the ultimate in working in wood - boat-building. At GalGael people build wooden boats in celebration of Scotland’s heritage. This provides a focal point for a number of community benefits, including motivational learning that enriches people’s lives and improves earning potential.  Watch the boatbuilding during the day on the live Web Cam.

The latest project 'Anchor and Sail' offers skills development to over 200 Govan people, is trainining 8 'apprentices' as boat builders, restoring two boats and building three traditional boats. The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland. The extra photos show an axeman at work in the yard where wood is sorted and prepared and the other shows a craftsman at his workbench with one of the products that finds an eager market.