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A Highland charity is on the hunt for some new volunteers.
Seagull Trust Cruises has been running tours along the canal for those in care homes and people with additional support needs for nearly 30 years.
The current £220,000 custom-built cruiser, inaugurated by the Princess Royal in 2012, operates between the jetty at Tomnahurich Bridge in Inverness and Dochgarroch Locks.
The crew and service team are made up entirely of volunteers who run two trips along the canal, five days a week.
Speaking about the need for volunteers, Highland Chairman and crew member Ramsay McGhee said: “Many of our volunteers are now over 70 years old, with some in their 80s.
“They do a fantastic job, and we absolutely love what we do. We are however needing some more younger people to come in and help us in a whole range of disciplines.
“We are really needing people to help us service the boat once a week and some additional crew members.”
Seagull Trust Cruises will put everyone through their basic training to enable them to carry out all the diverse skills required to crew the boat and would be happy if businesses and their employees could provide volunteers or sponsorship.
The 17-metre long, 26-ton vessel was built with the help of funds from the Highland Cross duathlon and various other charities. It is equipped with a passenger lift and has a disabled toilet. It can take up to 12 passengers.
The charity receives help from several Highland businesses at present including Caley Marina, the Caledonian Canal, MacGregors and Cap Gemini.
Ramsay added: “It’s such a fantastic thing to be a part of and it’s rewarding to be able to take people for a day out who wouldn’t normally have a chance to do so.
“Our crews work really well together, and we always have a good laugh. We are willing to talk to anyone who is interested in volunteering in any way they can.”
