Duncan takes to the water

KEEN angler, Duncan Fairley, was able to take to the water in his wheelchair last weekend thanks to a specially designed jetty and boat.

Duncan, who lives in Lochgilphead, was delighted to be able to finally get out onto the water during the official opening of the jetty at Barlusgan Loch last Saturday, September 12.

Members of Lochgilphead and District Angling Club have been working on the construction of the jetty for the last few years after Duncan wrote to them asking if there was anywhere he could go to fish.

Local men, Willie Robertson and Cammie Crawford, have been the driving force behind the project and Saturday saw the culmination of everyone’s hard work.

As well as having a safe jetty to wheel along, Duncan was able to take to the water in his specially adapted boat, which was secured by the Dalriada Project.

The club also received a £2,500 grant from the lottery’s Awards for All scheme.

Surrounded by family and friends, Duncan officially opened the jetty by cutting a ribbon before setting sail on the ‘Wheelie Boat’, as it has been fondly named.

Councillor Douglas Philand led the ceremony and thanked all involved in the project, including; Ewen Macdonald, Euan Paterson, David Adams-MacGilp and Sandy McCallum.