The company, which was founded at the Edinburgh Canal Centre in Ratho in 1978, offers free cruises for people with special needs in Scotland.

The Kirkintilloch operation, the second of four branches which currently take over 5,000 people a year on a free cruise, was opened in 1984 on the former J. Hay and Sons boatbuilding yard below Southbank Road.

A series of new developments this year will see the operation transferred to the new Kirkintilloch Marina and the army of volunteers who tirelessly work on the project are looking forward to the move.

Andy Blackburn, one of the volunteers looking after the upkeep of the boats, said: "The boat house will soon be demolished to make way for new flats and we'll be going to state-of-the-art premises at the marina. It will be a tremendously exciting few months.

"We'll still be providing a continuous service throughout the move and the cruises will not be affected."

The whole scheme is operated by a team of unpaid staff like Andy and and at least two trips are made every weekday from April-October.
Treasurer Ian Hall said: "We are completely reliant on volunteers and raise most of our day-to-day running costs locally.

"People who use the service donate money, and local businesses and the council help out as well.

"We are always on the look-out for new volunteers and we provide all the training they need."


The cruise route takes passengers through beautiful countryside, winding through woodland and rural land, with views of the Clyde Valley and the Campsies.

The experience is hugely beneficial to those who travel from as far away as Ayr and Greenock.

Ian said: "The carers tell you that, because the water is so placid, the cruises have a calming influence on people who can sometimes be stressed.

"It is also a real adventure for those who might not get out and about as much as they'd like."
To arrange a trip, make a donation or volunteer, give the booking line a call on 0141 777 7165.