New wheelchair accessible powerboat launched at Castle Semple Loch

A purpose-built wheelchair accessible powerboat has been launched on Castle Semple Loch in Renfrewshire.

The new boat – a Coulam Wheelyboat V17 – will enable disabled children and adults to enjoy the waters.

Castle Semple Centre already has one Wheelyboat – a Coulam Wheelyboat V20 – which was launched in 2015 and the first in Scotland.

It proved so popular with disabled visitors who can now take part in accessible powerboating, powerboat training and pleasure boating activities, a second Wheelyboat is needed to keep up with demand.

Last month a naming ceremony took place to christen the centre’s second Wheelyboat.

Kyle from Corseford School,  local specialist school owned and run by charity Capability Scotland that provides care and education for children with complex additional support needs, named the new boat ‘Lightyear’ after Buzz Lightyear, his favourite character from the Toy Story.

Now, Kyle, alongside his family and friends, will be one of many now able to explore the 2.5km long freshwater loch which boasts medieval ruins and is home to numerous bird species too.

The specially designed Coulam Wheelyboat V17 is The Wheelyboat Trust’s latest model and the most versatile Wheelyboat to date.

It has a bow door which lowers to form a ramp for roll-on, roll-off wheelchair access.

The large open cockpit provides access to all corners of the boat and the drive-from-wheelchair helm enables people with even the severest of disabilities to drive the boat.

Kyle and David Hill out enjoying ‘Lightyear’. Credit Castle Semple Centre

Andy Beadsley, director of operations at The Wheelyboat Trust said: ‘Wheelyboats are a lifeline for anyone with a disability of any kind, as users can board safely and independently rather than being manhandled into the boat which is not only unsafe but also undignified.

Before Wheelyboats, those who are mobility impaired or have additional special needs simply haven’t been able to experience life on the water due to lack of access.

‘As a wheelchair user myself, I know first-hand the numerous benefits that being able to take part in activities that able bodied people take for granted can bring.

‘Wheelyboats not only offer physical access to lochs, lakes and rivers but they are enormously beneficial for positive mental health and well-being, too.’

David Hill, chief instructor at Castle Semple Centre, added: ‘We estimate that 250 people per year will benefit from our second Wheelyboat.

‘To be able to offer the opportunity for that many people to take part in activities they previously couldn’t, attain recognised qualifications such as Powerboat Level 1 and 2 certificates or become a Powerboat Instructor is hugely positive for locals and visitors alike.

‘We are immensely proud to be home to Scotland’s first ever Coulam Wheelyboat V20 and even more so now her sister boat, the Coulam Wheelyboat V17 ‘Lightyear’ is available for public use, too.’

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