The New Boat launched at North Berwick Seabird Centre this week, and The Edinburgh Reporter was aboard when it made a trip to Bass Rock in wintry temperatures.
Margaret Bisset who won the competition to name the boat cut the ribbon and was the first passenger to step on board Seafari Explorer. A six-foot tall furry puffin, called Tammie, the centre’s mascot was also on hand to give the boat a proper send off.
The real puffins on Bass Rock are due to arrive in a month’s time, along with other wildlife, although a colony of seals were spotted to the excitement of all onboard, as well as many gannets, although we were told that the majority of these are also yet to arrive. Skipper Colin Aston who had sailed the boat from Southampton through gale force winds was suitably dressed for the occasion in a captain’s uniform.
Listen to the story of the launch here:-
listen to ‘Seabird centre boat launch’ on Audioboo
The boat takes 57 passengers on an hour-long trip around the Bass Rock and Craigleath Island. The trip is an opportunity to witness wildlife close at hand, and is suitable for the whole family.I
t will also be used as a floating clasrrom to teach school children about wildlife. The boat will be running on Good Friday and throughout the Easter weekend, and will run until October.
For further details and trip times, visit http://www.seabird.org/index.php
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