Councillors recommend buying custom-built boat for Orkney’s Olympic-hopeful

Islands councillors have recommended purchasing a £10,000 custom-made boat for the county’s Olympic-hopeful rower, Sean Corrigall.

At 6ft 9in, the rower has been unable to reach his full potential with standard sports equipment — the new boat, to be named The Viking of the North, will assist with the elite athlete’s training.

Mr Corrigall, who has offered to work with schools in Orkney to promote sport and healthy living, plans to launch the boat in Orkney in the spring, this year.

Councillors at today’s education and leisure committee felt that the official recommendation to provide £1,000 was not enough, and voted by ten to two in favour of providing the full amount.

They also agreed to seek national funding support for Mr Corrigall through the local MP and MSP.