IF the Yes DIY movement was simply an exercise in navel contemplation that concentrated only on Scottish affairs, it would not represent the outgoing and concerned people of this country.
Yes activists want Scotland to be a better nation so that we can change the world for the better, and there is surely no greater example of that spirit that Duncan Hutchison who is currently rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic to raise money for the charity Water Aid and its work in Malawi which has close links to Scotland.
A member of the SNP, Hutchison has painted his self-made rowing boat called Sleipnir with a large Saltire on deck. He says that among other reasons for undertaking the row, he wanted to show that ordinary people could do extraordinary things.
Hutchison is currently propelling Sleipnir ever closer to Scotland after being blown 700 miles off course since he left New Jersey in July, heading for his home town of Lochinver.
He has already had a taste of Storm Ali which will hit Scotland today – he has experienced 18 feet waves in the last couple of days.
His proud daughter Franci takes up the story: “My dad built the boat he is currently rowing and living in. As such, he has dedicated huge amounts of time, passion and craftsmanship to the vessel as an experienced boat builder and RNLI volunteer of more than 20 years.
“The physical and psychological challenges my dad faces, rowing around 12 hours each day, are huge.
“Many friends, family, colleagues and kind strangers are cheering him on to motivate him. I think the wildlife encounters help along the way too – porpoises, sharks, whales, fish.
“I have always been very proud of my dad, his adventurous spirit and willingness to stand alone in the wilderness. He is a very inspiring man and will always do his best to help others and tests his limits and comfort zone through raising money for good causes.
“Having lived and worked in Malawi with street children at a rehabilitation centre a number of years ago, I have been witness to the fantastic projects WaterAid have coordinated in third-world countries. A quote from WaterAid states that Malawi is a country where ‘only two in three people have clean water’. My dad is passionate about igniting change and feels that WaterAid is a fantastic charity to fundraise for.”
This is surely one cause the Yes DIY movement can support.
You can follow Duncan’s progress over the last 1000 miles and make a donation via his website at www.duncanadrift.com.
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