Pentland Canoe Club

Date: Thursday 8 October 2026

Venue: Pentland Firth Yacht Club, Scrabster, Thurso KW14 7UJ (Provisional)

Time: The meeting will start at 6.30pm.

The Agenda and supporting documents will be issued in the coming weeks to registered members.

AGENDA

1. Apologies
2. Minutes of the 2025 Annual Members Meeting
3. Chair’s Report
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Constitution & Operating Procedure (Governance & Management)
6. Election of Board Members / Trustees
7. Appointment of Independent Accounts Examiner
8. Fees
9. Honorary Memberships
10.AOCB
11.Presentation of Awards

A Major Club Investment...

Pentland Canoe Club has completed a major milestone in its long history with the purchase of 15 new sea kayaks and 18 paddles, the largest single investment in equipment since the Club was founded in 1984. This transformational project was made possible through generous support from the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund, Foundation Scotland (Halsary Windfarm Community Benefit Fund (Watten) and Stroupster Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund), Get Active Highland, the National Lottery, and the Highland Council Discretionary Award. Donations were also received from local companies KP Technology and RDI Renewables.

The new fleet marks a significant step forward in making sea kayaking more accessible in the area. By expanding the Club’s equipment capacity, the project aims to remove barriers to participation and encourage more people to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of paddlesport. The investment increases access to high quality sea kayaking equipment, support training for new and existing paddlers, and promote healthy outdoor activity throughout Caithness and North Sutherland.

To provide the new equipment Pentland Canoe Club were happy to work with one of the last specialist paddlesports retailers left in Scotland, Sea Kayak Oban. Owner’s Laura Bennitt and Mark Mitchell said “Kayak clubs are the lifeblood of Scottish paddling, we owe our paddling careers to kayak club volunteers coaches and leaders. In return we are always happy to support today’s clubs, they are absolutely vital to bringing new folk to our sport."

Gary Youngson, Chair of Pentland Canoe Club, said: “Sea kayaking is Scotland’s most popular paddlesport, offering inclusive opportunities for exercise, exploration and connection with the marine environment. Safe participation depends on suitable equipment and proper training. This is something our Club is committed to providing. We are extremely grateful to all our funders whose support has made this project possible and will benefit paddlers for many years to come. I would also like to thank Sea Kayak Oban for their support in supplying the equipment.”

Sportscotland Lead Manager, James Steel commented “sportscotland are delighted to have been able to contribute National Lottery Awards for All Scotland funding to Pentland Canoe Club to support their project to purchase of new sea kayaks and wish the Club every future success.”

High Life Highland’s Head of Sport and Physical Activity Darren Reid remarked “We are delighted to see the positive impact that Get Active Scotland funding is having on groups and clubs such as the Pentland Canoe Club, helping them to increase participation in sea kayaking and make it more accessible to people in the community.”

Eilidh Coll, Foundation Scotland, said “Pentland Canoe Club plays an important role in bringing people together through sport. We are pleased that funding from two local wind farm community benefit funds has helped the Club expand safe access to sea kayaking and create lasting benefits for the local community. This investment will help more people access sea kayaking safely and enjoy the many physical, social and wellbeing benefits that paddlesport can offer.”

Founded in 1984, Pentland Canoe Club promotes kayaking and canoeing across West Caithness, with a focus on Thurso and North Sutherland. The Club offers year round activities and has seen steady membership growth since 2021, with a diverse mix of adults and youths aged 12+. It is proud to have a female participation rate well above the national average, and regularly works with scouts, youth groups and community organisations across the area.

Sea Kayak Oban
Paddle Scotland

🛶 The Highland Quaich 2026 🛶

Join us in Inverness for the UK’s most northerly Canoe Polo tournament played on one of the most fascinating pitches in Scotland.

📆 29th August 2026
⏰ 10:00am
📍 Muirtown Lock Gates, Caledonian Canal, Inverness

This event is open to all skill levels. Mixed-ability club teams as well as individual paddlers are encouraged to join in. The event provides a great chance for beginners to learn alongside experts and experience Canoe Polo! 💙

👉 Find out more and book your place on JustGo now: https://sca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=EA23D5021E80080262805C0D00E0FD9B8E6ED76A

We are in the SportScotland news...

https://sportfirst.sportscotland.org.uk/articles/making-waves-together

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In the Caithness Courier today….

1983

Some photos of club paddlers at Thurso, the Summer before the Club was formed. Who do you recognise?

Thank you to Steve Gaythorpe for send the photos.

Paddle Scotland
Community Sport Hubs Highland

Watersports clubs unite to boost safety, skills and participation in Thurso Bay. Info: 👇