Heritage Treasures Day

Happy #HeritageTreasures Day! On heritage Treasures day the National Lottery Heritage Fund wants to share inspiring projects and highlight rich and diverse heritage across the UK. We want to celebrate the fantastic work in reviving the history of the Lough Erne traditional cots. For centuries wooden boats and cots were the principal mode of transport in Fermanagh, with a network of routes in place between the shores and islands across Lough Erne.

In 2020 the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council embarked on a community project to build traditional Lough Erne cots. Two local groups, Belleek Men’s Shed and West Island Cot Heritage Group handcrafted four cots, under the guidance of the late Fred Ternan, and Liam Boyle. Take a look at this video which gives an insight into the process of cot building: The Building of Lough Erne Cots – View media – Northern Ireland Screen | Digital Film Archive

The cots were successfully launched in Enniskillen on 2nd July 2022, in memory of the Late Fred Ternan. Eric Cathcart, a former cot builder, cut the ribbon and guests had the opportunity to join rowers and enjoy the experience of travelling in a traditional Lough Erne cot.

Following the cot launch saw the return of Cot Racing in Co. Fermanagh with regattas being held in both Belleek and Carrybridge.

It is so encouraging to be part of the development of two enthusiastic local groups and to see the tradition of cot building and cot racing return to Fermanagh.

Thanks to Belleek Men’s Shed, Belleek Development Heritage Group, Lough Erne Heritage and West Island Cot Heritage Group.