28/3/2008All aboard as trio of barges return
THREE barges which were used to provide holidays for underprivileged youngsters have been reintroduced on the Forth and Clyde canal.
The vessels were formerly run by the Nolly Barge charity but fell into disrepair when the company went into liquidation two years ago.
Now, after a makeover at the BAE Systems yard at Scotstoun, they are back in operation under the banner of Unity Enterprise.
The new enterprise, which will offer different types of activities, was officially launched at Firhill Basin yesterday by Glasgow's Lord Provost Bob Winter.
Organisers say the barges will have experienced skippers and be available for holidays, day trips, arts and crafts events, corporate events and team building days.
The main vessel, Unity, will be available for holiday lets for individuals, corporate events and community groups.
The Lazy Swan will provide day trips for groups, community group meetings and corporate events.
And the Duckling will be used exclusively as a resource for the community.
Mr Winter said: "The history of the barges in the city is immense and therefore it was extremely pleasing for me to be at the launch of what will be a new era for them.
"It is to Unity Enterprise's great credit that these barges will continue to operate in and around Glasgow.
"They are an asset to our city and the work that has been done to preserve them shows the commitment and innovative thinking that exists in our community."
The vessels were formerly run by the Nolly Barge charity but fell into disrepair when the company went into liquidation two years ago.
Now, after a makeover at the BAE Systems yard at Scotstoun, they are back in operation under the banner of Unity Enterprise.
The new enterprise, which will offer different types of activities, was officially launched at Firhill Basin yesterday by Glasgow's Lord Provost Bob Winter.
Organisers say the barges will have experienced skippers and be available for holidays, day trips, arts and crafts events, corporate events and team building days.
The main vessel, Unity, will be available for holiday lets for individuals, corporate events and community groups.
The Lazy Swan will provide day trips for groups, community group meetings and corporate events.
And the Duckling will be used exclusively as a resource for the community.
Mr Winter said: "The history of the barges in the city is immense and therefore it was extremely pleasing for me to be at the launch of what will be a new era for them.
"It is to Unity Enterprise's great credit that these barges will continue to operate in and around Glasgow.
"They are an asset to our city and the work that has been done to preserve them shows the commitment and innovative thinking that exists in our community."