Scotland Outdoors

The Canoe Boys

Following the trail of a classic kayak expedition along Scotland's west coast in a three-part radio series.

In 1934 two young journalists paddled from Glasgow to Skye. Wearing singlets and kilts, and with only the inner tube of a car tyre for safety, they negotiated their flimsy sea-canoes through the challenging waters of Scotland's west coast.

Their dispatches to newspapers and subsequent book “The Canoe Boys”, were not only tales of adventure, but also penetrating analyses of the problems of Highland life.

Radio documentary

In the series commissioned by BBC Radio Scotland, Simon Willis and Cailean MacLeod investigate the challenges of modern life in remote coastal communities. They also kayak some of the most challenging sections of the original journey, starting with a boiling stretch of water known as the Dorus Mor, the “Great Door”.

The three parts of the Canoe Boys series were broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland in November 2007.

Sorry, the audio is no longer available online here.

Read more about the making of the Canoe Boys series in a diary written by Simon Willis.

The Canoe Boys in audio and video

Listen to an interview with Duncan Winning OBE, honorary president of the Scottish Canoe Association, on the history of Scottish kayaking.

Watch a thrilling account of the story featured in a 2007 episode of The Adventure Show.

Archive photos and illustrations are from 'The Canoe Boys,' published by NWP and courtesy of Ninian Dunnett.

Published: Friday 9th November 2007