Skylark IX Recovery Trust

13/08/2026

Could you help us get our boats to the water?

We’re looking for someone local who might have a bit of time to spare and would enjoy helping out our wee charity.

We need some more volunteers to tow our two rowing skiffs on their double trailer from our storage unit in Alexandria to Balloch for our community rowing sessions on Loch Lomond, and bring them back afterwards.

Ideally, we’re looking for someone who has some spare time, has a suitable tow bar and the correct licence to tow, and is comfortable towing a boat trailer. You don’t need to be a rower – although you’d be very welcome to join us and have a go whenever you like!

Skylark IX Community Rowing is a friendly group of rowers, and our rowing sessions also support people in recovery from addiction. So, if you’re looking for a practical way to give a little time back to your local community, this could be a good fit.

In return, you’ll have a standing invitation to come rowing with us whenever you fancy it.

If this sounds like something you could help with, or you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch - [email protected]

22/07/2026

A striking image of British Expeditionary Force troops marching through the ruined port of Dunkirk during May 1940. (Popperfoto/Getty Images)

07/07/2026

“Tens of thousands safely home already.” “History’s strangest armada.” “Ships of all sizes dare the German guns.” The reporting of the Dunkirk evacuation by the Daily Express, 31 May 1940.

11/06/2026

We had a great time this week introducing two local young people to our Skylark Community Rowing project. They were naturals and hopefully will become regulars at our rowing sessions on the loch this summer. A big thanks to all of our volunteers who helped make it happen!

Senior pupils John Paul and Daniel had a great morning rowing with the Skylark IX Community Rowing team on Loch Lomond. They rowed up to Cameron House and back, learning how to manoeuvre the 22ft St Ayles Skiff. For first time rowers they were amazing, keeping time and rowing at a steady pace. Many thanks to IX Recovery Trust team for a sunny row on the loch.

04/06/2026

85 years ago, amid smoke, chaos, and the collapse of Europe, hundreds of thousands of Allied troops escaped the beaches of Dunkirk during Operation Dynamo.

But not everyone came home.

This remembrance is for those who stayed behind. The men who fought delaying actions against overwhelming odds so others could reach the boats. Many were killed. Many became prisoners of war. Thousands were never identified.

“Those whose courage held the line along that stricken coast.”

30/05/2026

30/05/2026

What a wonderful afternoon we had at our Skylark Afternoon Tea.
The room was filled with vintage dresses, elegant hats, delicious cakes, dainty sandwiches, lots of tea and the sound of music from a bygone era.
There was plenty of laughter, fun and games, a WWII quiz that certainly tested our knowledge, and even a little jitterbugging.

Alongside the celebrations, we took time for reflection with a minute's silence to remember those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.

We also recognised the often-overlooked contribution of women on the Home Front - the wives, mothers, daughters and sweethearts who kept families, communities and industries going while waiting for loved ones to return.

As Skylark restarts its fundraising activities, it felt fitting to come together in friendship, remembrance and gratitude.
Thank you to everyone who attended, dressed up, baked, volunteered and helped make the afternoon such a success. The spirit of community that filled the room today is exactly what Skylark is all about.
A special thank you to SMM for kindly providing the venue and helping make the afternoon possible.
Alternatives West Dunbartonshire CDS
Scottish Maritime Museum
King's Award for Voluntary Service

22/05/2026

Skylark IX Recovery Trust has been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest recognition that can be bestowed on a volunteer organisation in the United Kingdom.

The Award recognised the outstanding dedication, skill, and compassion of the Trust’s volunteers.

To mark this significant achievement, Provost Karen Murray Conaghan, hosted a civic reception at the Council Offices, on Thursday. During the event, the Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Jill Young, presented the Skylark IX team with their Award.

Provost Karen Murray Conaghan, said “It was a great honour to host this event and celebrate the incredible achievement of the trust. The volunteers should be really proud of themselves, the dedication they have put into preserving this part of history and changing people’s lives has impacted across West Dunbartonshire and beyond.”

07/05/2026

Colourised images (from the RNLI). Featuring the crew of the Lord Southborough, alongside the lifeboat that made the journey to Dunkirk and back to evacuate troops during 1940.

26/04/2026