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A former Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness cruiser, originally named “Abbey Princess” (built 1975), was acquired with the aid of a £4,000 grant from Highland Regional Council, and was converted to provide suitable boarding facilities and accommodation for people with special needs. Additional funding was received from The Highlands & Islands Development Board, B.B.C. Children In Need, British Waterways Board and numerous local firms.
The conversion, which was carried out by Jim Hogan of Caley Marina Inverness under the supervision of Captain Duncan Robertson, involved the fitting of two hydraulic wheelchair lifts, moving the wheelhouse from midships to the stern, fitting a new engine and generator and completely refurbishing the accommodation area. The two wheelchair lifts allow passengers access from the main deck into the passenger cabin and up from the cabin into the wheelhouse, where they can experience steering the boat if they so desire. In 1989 the refitted cruiser was renamed “Highland Seagull” by the Duke and Duchess of York.
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