Black Eagle and the Arran Vikings

In 1999, a group of Arran people, decided to build a replica boat to celebrate Arran’s Viking heritage and to extend their own sailing and rowing skills. They constructed a 40ft longship with wooden gunwales, thwarts, mast, oars and a fibreglass hull, made from a mould borrowed from a Viking group in Ireland. The renowned local wood-carver, Marvin Elliott, carved the impressive figure-heads and designed the iconic canvas sail – Black Eagle was born!

Check out the Ancient Black Ops programmes ‘The Viking Berserkers’ and ‘The Varangian Guard’ on YouTube to see some wonderfully atmospheric shots of Black Eagle – and some wild, local Vikings, filmed off Sannox, just last year.

The Arran Viking Longship Society has operated over the past 13 years out of the Old Port in Corrie, but will now be based in Lamlash Bay. If you are interested in joining in the unbelievable experience of sailing, and rowing, in a Viking longship; of learning the techniques of making facsimile Viking weapons, shields, chainmail and costumes; as well as re-enactment battles – then contact Stuart Gough at ‘Carlo’, Corrie Shore, tel.302670 or email gough.carlo@btinternet.com – or come along to the Arran Show on Wednesday, 5th August, and see Black Eagle and meet the Arran Vikings in person.