The Whiteadder Whitewater Trust applied to the Blackhill Windfarm Community Fund for funding for oars, VHF radios, first aid supplies, booking system, service 2 rescue boats, car park, signage and pontoon maintenance. They were awarded £3860.00. One third of the funds received has been spent on radios, service of the safety boats, booking system, which was turned on in the last few weeks (August 2021), first aid kits, oars and pontoon maintenance. Signage and car park still to be upgraded.
WWT were awarded the contract in November 20201 but Scottish Water where not in the position to offer the lease and looked to review certain aspects of the contract and 3 weeks prior to sailing season opening SW made a number of new conditions. One was to change to electric outboards due to the concerns over water pollution. WWT currently use petrol outboards as do many other similar organisations. An agreement was finally made to continue using petrol outboards for10 years with a view to going electric then if feasible. Another condition was to increase the Public Liability insurance to a level that is unknown in the industry and which would put the expenses out with the reach of the Trust. We currently have £10m Public Liability Insurance. We had hoped to be able to operate from 1st August 2021 but SBC are still discussing the lease and liability. Season normally finishes end of September.
Paddle boards, open water swimming and kayaks all proving popular.
Thanks to BWCF for your support and we are hopeful that the centre will open soon.