Looking for a new rewarding volunteering opportunity in 2024?

Seagull Trust Cruises, who run free canal cruises for the elderly, infirm and those with special needs are looking for new volunteers at their Ratho base.

The charity runs more than 2000 cruises per annum from four bases in Scotland (Ratho, Falkirk, Kirkintilloch & Inverness), regularly taking around 22,000 passengers onto our canals for short morning or afternoon cruises.  Many of these cruises run from Ratho, where Seagull have three specially designed wheelchair-friendly boats operating 7 days a week in the summer.  But many of the volunteers only give one day, or even just one morning, each week, so the amount of time you want to give is entirely up to you.

Volunteering with Seagull can cover a variety of roles depending on your interests.  Whether you want to get involved with running the boats (no experience needed as full training is given), or simply wish to help host our passengers by talking with them over a cup of tea, there is much to do alongside our existing team of some 90+ Ratho volunteers.  You may have an interest in maintenance, engineering, or be a wizard at wielding a paintbrush; you may have an interest in admin, or want to work from home in your own time.  No matter your interest there will be a role for you at Seagull Trust Cruises.

Among the benefits that getting involved brings to the volunteers, experiencing the enjoyment that our passengers get from their cruise is exceptionally heart-warming.   As one care home operator says:

“Over the years, we have been on many trips with Seagull Trust Cruises and quite simply, the trips are brilliant. 

“The residents love it and the volunteers are so lovely and so helpful.  We value the work that Seagull Trust Cruises does because the trips are memorable for our residents and are frequently and fondly talked about.”

Stuart Rennie, Chairman at Seagull Ratho, has been volunteering on the Union Canal for over 15 years, and highlights that the canal is a community of its very own.  Everyone you pass on the tow path smiles or waves as you travel past at a leisurely 4 mph.  It really is an opportunity to slow down from today’s hectic lifestyle, while bringing a bit of enjoyment to the passengers and their carers alike.

If you would like get involved, or to know more about volunteering with Seagull Trust Cruises, have a look at their website at www.seagulltrust.org.uk or email RathoVolunteer@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk