Cot racing is to return to Carrybridge this weekend thanks to efforts of a local Cot Heritage group.

A century ago, cot boat races at Carrybridge were an annual event, but in recent memory this event has not taken place.

However, thanks to the efforts of the West Island Cot Heritage Group (AKA West Islanders), this nostalgic event will be having a revival, this Saturday, August 20, from noon at the Carrybridge Hotel Marina, near Lisbellaw.

Spectators are encouraged to bring a picnic chair to the designated spectator area in front of the Carrybridge Hotel to enjoy the cot races and also enjoy displays from the RNLI, RSPB, traditional music, facepainting, and more.

The adjacent Carrybridge Hotel will have a BBQ available for purchase, or bring your own picnic and blanket.

THe spokesperson for the event, Chairperson Malcolm Glenn, said: “Our group built the cots through funding from the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, using traditional Lough Erne methods and designs, and it will be wonderful to see these boats now compete for the first time in the revival regatta, close to where they were constructed.”

Groups of adults or businesses are welcome to enter a team of three to race the traditional boats, and will be provided with practice time, tuition, life jackets, etc.

For further information about registering a team, contact Malcolm at 078 1080 1058.

The West Island Cot Heritage Group was formed in 2019 to allow local people gain skills and camaraderie in building traditional boats.

The construction of the cots was funded by the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership through funding from The National Lottery heritage Fund and the Council, with the cots constructed at Belle Isle, near Carrybridge.

The event has been funded by Awards for All through The National Lottery and the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership, with the group expressing thanks to Waterways Ireland, and the Carrybridge Hotel, for providing permission use of their facilities for the community event.