A delightful afternoon sailing along the Caledonian Canal with Seagull Trust Cruises
The sun was shining over the Caledonian Canal as I set out to to board the Seagull Trust Cruise boat.
I had received an invite from crew member Ramsay McGhee to come along and see what the charity does as they are currently on the hunt for volunteers.
Keen to get a day out of the office and having had a desire to always go along the canal on the water, rather than just walking it, I took him up on his invite with a definite YES!
Ramsay and his other crew members met me at the jetty beside Tomnahurich Bridge where the large, red barge boat was tied up. Having already done a morning trip to Dochgarroch Locks and back the team were still beaming about how glorious a day it was.
The crew of four are the ‘Monday’ team which is made up of Neil Macleod, Val Sutherland, Ramsay McGee and Roger Cope.
They’ve been steady volunteers to the charity ‘since the day dot’ they tell me.
We board the boat I’m taken down to the lower deck on the accessible wheelchair lift. The aim of the boat is to allow those who are elderly, in care homes or have additional support needs to get out onto the water for free.
With an accessible toilet and a large seating space with room for 12 people it has certainly been thought through in how to best accommodate people.
I’ve brought my friend Georgia along with me and there are also some other guests on the boat too. Craig Morrison comes along with his two support workers, Moira and Donnajean each month, as he loves being out on the water and all forms of transport.
We set sail and Ramsay explains to us how they get to stop the traffic each day as the Tomnahurich Bridge is lifted.
For him, along with the other crew members, being out on the water and being able to give others the opportunities to do so is such a joy.
However, he explains that although the crew are incredible at what they do, and are very committed, they are in need of new volunteers.
He says: “Many of our crew are now over 70 and 80 years of age, and we are really needing some new people to come and join us.
“We need people who will help us service the boat once a month, and some people to join our crew.
“We have five different teams who go out Monday to Friday and we do two journeys each day. It really is very rewarding and we always have a great time.”
I can understand what he means, as I myself start to think of ways I can get out of work once a week to come and volunteer. Being able to cruise along the canal, drink a cup of coffee and chat to people is my idea of heaven.
He continues: “We ask people if they want music on the boat when they come and we have musicians who come in and play. It’s great. We once had two ladies who were over 100 years old on, and they were singing along to the music that was being played! It was incredible.
“It’s great being able to allow people to come out for the day and do something different than what they normally do.
“And although many people who come along may have dementia or other diagnosis, they are very peaceful being able to see nature and enjoy the cruise along the canal.”
We sail along to the Dochgarroch Locks and turn there, and Ramsay ushers us outside to the front deck. I’m so grateful it’s a nice day and that I’m able to have this opportunity.
He explains more about the boats that are tied up at the Lock and why he decided to get involved with the Seagull Trust Tours.
He says “I have always loved being out on the water and when I retired I jumped at taking this opportunity.
“It’s just a great thing to be able to do!”
Now coming back towards Inverness is where the adventure really starts, as I was given the opportunity to drive the barge along the canal.
Taking the helm, skipper Neil explains to me that he used to work in the Royal Navy and now loves sailing along the canal. He shows me how to steer, but I am definitely not a natural at it. However, I was delighted when they presented me with certificate for being at the helm and now I feel ready to take on the seas!
If you would be interested in getting involved with Seagull Trust Cruises contact Ramsay at w.r.mcghee@btinternet.com
