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The Trust continues to go from strength to strength and, as there seems to be an unending request for our cruises, we expect to be in a position to provide free canal cruising for people with special needs for a long time to come.
To ensure that we are properly equipped to continue providing the highest quality service to our guests and to have suitable acommodation for our volunteers to maintain the fleet, we consider the following list of requirements should be acquired; they are not listed in priority order.
Refurbish the Govan Seagull.
Now that the Yarrow Seagull has been refurbished, the Govan Seagull, being the next of our fleet by age, must be the next one to be refurbished.
Extend the Falkirk Boathouse.
The Falkirk Branch now operates and manages three boats but the existing boathouse can only take one at a time and, besides, the Marion Seagull is actually too long to fit in. This means that one of the boats has to be kept moored to the outside of the boathouse and the Marion Seagull moored in the basin at The Falkirk Wheel. All of this means that caring for the boats, and, in particular, the winter maintenance programme is very difficult and places a considerable additional burden on our over stretched volunteers. To provide the best care for our boats and the best facilities for our passengers is is agreed that the boathouse should be extended. Plans for this have been drawn up and the Falkirk Council has given Planning Permission.
Obtain a replacement boat for the Highland Branch.
The Highland Seagull is the only one of our fleet not to have been purpose built for us but was converted from a second hand boat. Our experience suggests that is now time to design a new boat which will serve our purpose better and provide a better quality of service to our passengers.
Acquire a third boat for the Ratho Branch.
The cruising numbers for the Ratho Branch show that they are approaching their maximum capability with the existing two boats. In order to increase their ability to satisfy the current, and future, demand it is agreed that a third boat is the best option although this will require an increase in the number of volunteer crews.
Seagull Trust Cruises is always looking for volunteers, so if you live in, or adjacent to, the area of any of our Branches and feel you can give some of your free time to help disabled people, please contact one of the Local Committee Members detailed on the Branch pages, or the Headquarters address for more information.
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