Ahoy There! Reconnect, Restore & Realise the Civilian Brought Snack

Richard Henderson , RFH Solutions

If you’ve wondered what happens when veterans take on a boat project in true Scottish weather, the answer is: magic, madness, and midges. A lot of sanding, a bit of fibreglass in strange places, and a floating dream that hasn’t quite made it to sea, but is getting very, very close.

Tucked up in Loch Goil, what was once a weary old shell is now well on its way to becoming the veteran community’s pride and joy. Thanks to Alliance funding and support from Loch Goil Cruises, a restoration plan was launched. Equal parts ambition, elbow grease, and questionable coffee.

So who has been leading the venture?

There’s the token civilian, project manager, snack provider, and designated “person-who- googles-things.” While less handy with fibreglass, they’ve proven essential for keeping morale high and providing ongoing grub and transport. Three salty sea dogs (two Army veterans and one Royal Marine), armed with sandpaper, sarcasm, and an unshakable belief that duct tape might just be the future of naval architecture. Progress has been steady, if not entirely conventional, with ongoing debates about the structural integrity of zip ties and the merits of “winging it professionally.”

As we await her shiny new windows, she’ll soon be whisked off for engine and electric installation, just one step closer to cruise, feeling fabulous and looking less like a garden project and more like the queen of Loch Goil.

It’s not all been elbow grease and epoxy. Veterans from across our community have already been enjoying the water, sneaking in fishing trips between storm clouds and boat polishings.

Groups like Veterans Community Lanarkshire and Bellrock Close recently joined the fun. Fishing rods have been swung with great optimism. Most fish evaded capture with equal enthusiasm, but spirits were high, weather was unpredictable, and fish suppers were claimed like medals at the end of a valiant campaign.

As we navigate the final stages of this restoration, we’re still offering trips out for veterans and their families. Scottish summer is in full theatrical mode, so bring your sunscreen, your raincoat, and your best “weather-bedamned” grin. It’s all part of the four-season cruising experience.