Marion Seagull 2003

Plans were afoot in 2000 to acquire two overnight boats probably one designated for families, who have a disabled person and the other of more general use. In this connection the Salvesen Trust has agreed to provide the funding of one of these in memory of Mrs Marion Salveson and there is a possible sponsor for the second boat.

In July 2003 a residential canal boat Marion Seagull was introduced. This allows a family with a disabled member to cruise the Lowland canals at their own speed over a period of a few days or up to a week. This saw a change in Seagull’s philosophy of providing free canal cruising for the disabled in that a donation is suggested for this service. This vessel was named after Mrs Marion Salvesen (pictured) whose charitable Trust agreed to provide the funding for the building cost of it. On 4th October 2003, Mrs Evelyn Crombie, daughter of Mrs Salvesen officially named her. The quaich used on the day was presented to the Seagull Trust by British Waterways to commemorate the opening of the Falkirk Wheel by H.M. The Queen in May 2002. Built by Mark Roberts Engineering in Middlesborough, The Marion Seagull sleeps a max 6 people. It is fully equipped with two toilets, shower, kitchen area and lounge/dining area. She has central heating and an open bow with a lift to allow wheelchairs easy access. There is also a lift in the stern to enable wheelchair users to be lifted into the steering position.

The possible funding of a second holiday boat were in fact used for a conventional boat (Barr Seagull) since it was considered too early to fully asses the demand for a second holiday boat. That demand never materialised and by 2020 it was difficult to justify the effort needed to maintain a holiday boat and the project was reassessed.