THE Dumbarton project restoring the Skylark IX vessel has recognised a volunteer for his substantial contribution to a future rowing club in the town.

The Skylark IX Recovery Project aims to restore the "Dunkirk Little Ship" as well as the lives of residents recovering from addictions at the Alternatives West Dunbarton Community Drug Service.

James got involved in the project's boat building workshop which is working on two skiffs to set up a rowing club in Dumbarton next year.

He volunteered more than 150 hours on the skiff, which would rediscover Dumbarton's proud history of rowing where it played host to races up til the mid 1920s.

Receiving a certificate in recognition of his efforts, James said: “It's been really good being part of the process of building this skiff. It’s been an enjoyable time in my recovery. It’s given me something to work towards, got me coming in to meet new people and just basically given me a sense of purpose.

“I can also show my kids the skiff. They can see this boat sailing about and when they grow up and look into what their dad has been up to, they can say he's built this wee boat. The skiff build has all been documented. It tells a story and I’m part of that story.

“It's been a really worthwhile project. It’s good that through the skiff, people are learning more about Skylark and her history with Dumbarton too.”

The boat building workshop is in partnership with experts at Archipelago Folkschool and based at the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) on Castle Street.

Boatbuilding project manager at the Skylark IX Recovery Project Boat Building Workshop, Jae Bradley, said: "James has bowled us over with his commitment to our skiff building programme. He has become an invaluable member of the team and it has been wonderful to see how much his joinery skills and confidence have developed since he first picked up tools.

“As James has learned more about the heritage and story behind Skylark IX, he has also become a terrific ambassador for the Skylark IX Recovery Project sharing our news with Museum visitors and folk in the community passing by and popping their heads in to see how we’re getting on.”

The Skylark IX Recovery Trust plans to build an immersive heritage experience and boatbuilding centre at Dumbarton's museum called the Spirit of Skylark Centre.

Anyone interested in joining the Skylark IX Recovery Project’s rowing club next year can email skylarkinfo@alternativeswd.org.