Following words of welcome from Charlie Bryden, Chairman of the Scottish National Committee and after listening to a short service, The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque officially naming the new floating classroom boat, The Wooden Spoon Seagull, which will operate across the Scottish canals system.

After the naming ceremony had been concluded the Spoon Party joined a flotilla of barges that passed through the unique Falkirk Wheel which, with an awe inspiring 35 metre high structure, is the world's first and only rotating boat lift.



The Wooden Spoon Seagull, which can accommodate 36 passengers and a crew of two, is the tenth vessel in the Seagull Trust's fleet.

Converted from a regular passenger boat into a floating classroom capable of accommodating disabled children, The Wooden Spoon Seagull is fully heated and equipped with modern teaching aids and a full audio system to help ensure visiting schools have a stimulating educational experience.

In good weather, the central section of the cabin can also be opened turning the vessel into an open air classroom.



In addition, disabled schoolchildren will also be able to visit the wheelhouse under supervision by using a special lift at the helm of the boat.

The refurbishment was jointly funded by Seagull Trust Cruises and The Wooden Spoon Society, with Spoon contributing £50,000 to the works.

Seagull Trust Cruises, which was founded in 1978, provides free cruises for around 25,000 passengers with special needs each year.



The Wooden Spoon Seagull, which is Marine Coastguard Agency licenced, will be available for educational trips on the Lowland canals, the Forth & Clyde and Union, and the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands.

For further information, contact woodenspoon@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk