Govan Seagull 1984

As soon as the Yarrow Seagull was settled in, the Trust was approached by a jovial Irishman Mr Eric Mackie the Managing Director of Govan Shipbuilders. To help the Trust with disabled he expressed the desire to build a boat, the same design as Yarrow Seagull and at the same cost £7500. The fund Raisers were by now on full flight and were happy to snap up Mr Mackie’s kind offer. (NS)

The plans used in the buildings of the Yarrow Seagull for Kirkintilloch, were used with a few modifications. The boat was built by apprentices at Govan Shipyard, hence her name the 'Govan Seagull'. The Trust only had to pay for materials used and the cost to the Trust was £7,000 though she was valued at £50,000. In January 1982 Forth Valley Junior Chamber of Commerce donated £1,000 towards the cost of the boat followed by £200 in June 1982 and another £250 in July 1983. Central Region fete handed over £2,500 in November 1981. Bantaskine Guides gave £100 in November 1982, Falkirk Ladies Circle gave £680 in February 1983, Jamie Sime, Anne & Robert Hunter raised £200 by running in Falkirk's first half marathon and the Trefoil Guild gave £10. This was marvellous and we were well on the way to paying for Govan Seagull.

On 1^st December 1984 she was brought through to Grangemouth Docks on a low loader, as there wasn't enough water in the Union Canal and for safety from vandalism over the winter.

Falkirk Branch Content. Click to visit an item:

• 1984 Govan Seagull

• 1992 Falkirk Boathouse

• 2006 Barr seagull

• 2002 Falkirk Wheel