Yarrow Seagull 1984

Brian Baxter writes:

The Rev. Hugh Mackay visited me at Yarrow Shipbuilders, where I was the Shipbuilding Director, in December 1978 and asked if Yarrows would design a canal boat for the Trust. A design was produced and approved by the Trustees and at a subsequent meeting, Hugh asked me whether Yarrows would build a boat based on this design. I explained to him that Yarrows was now part of British Shipbuilders and as such could not undertake work of this type. I told him that I could get another yard to build a boat for him and it would take 6 months to build and cost a minimum of £10,000. Alternatively, if the Trust were prepared to wait for about 4 years our apprentices would build the boat and provide free hull plating and all construction labour costs. The Trust would have to pay for all fittings and equipment, which would total about £5,000. After discussion with the Trustees it was agreed that the Trust would be prepared to wait 4 years.

The new boat was based on canal designs used on English canals and would be 45 feet long and have a beam of 10 feet and a draught of about 2 feet. They were designed to carry 12 disabled passengers seated in wheelchairs at tables arranged in a central accommodation. They would be manned by 3 crew members. A Hydraulic lift was fitted forward to facilitate the transfer of passengers from the quayside to the internal lower deck. A four-stroke diesel engine was fitted to give a maximum speed of 4 knots and a galley and large lavatory were included."

1984 was an important year for the Trust. In the spring the Yarrow Seagull, whose construction had been assisted by the Yarrow apprentices was completed and delivered to the Trust. It operated from a newly opened Kirkintilloch Centre based in a boathouse, which had been converted from a former South of Scotland Electricity sub-station,which had been sold to the Trust for £1. The new Reception Centre also included a dry dock.

Launch 1984

Yarrow pre modification

Yarrow with lengthened bow.

Yarrow with cab added but pre lengthening.

Yarrow interior. In 2001 the passenger cabin has been enlarged with the galley moved from the corner of the engine compartment to an open plan layout.