I hope that as the year comes to a close this Review finds you safe, warm and well.
An immense amount of strategic planning has taken place throughout the pandemic in order to allow safe trips to resume on the Alison MacGregor.
We thank all our volunteers for their flexibility and commitment.
Working together with our volunteer and regular user groups, many additional measures and actions were adopted during this difficult time which enabled us to re-launch the service in June.
Although there were a reduced number of trips, and limited passenger and crew numbers to ensure distancing, it was a fantastic achievement to be back on the water.
We were alerted to one potential case of Covid-19 during the season which eventually proved to be a false notification.
So the proportionate changes made ensured a safe environment for all.
The boat undertook 222 trips during 2021 with 1,208 passengers including 164 in wheelchairs.
It should be borne in mind that we only operated for 4 months instead of the usual 5, with no scheduled evening trips.
Unfortunately not only have some of our regular benefactors closed due to periods of restricted fundraising but also some of our regular user groups have permanently closed as they have been unable to meet.
Similarly a number of our loyal volunteers have retired or moved away during the year.
We take this opportunity to thank them for many years of service and wish them well for the future.
Income and donations have continued to suffer but this has been offset, where possible, with reduced operational outgoings notwithstanding the unavoidable fixed costs and depreciation.
The boat is currently in good shape, undergoing winter maintenance and a review during the year suggested that it was good to continue for some years before a replacement would be required.
The intention is to place the boat back in the water during early Spring.
Fortunately, we have an extensive list of volunteers who wish to join us onboard.
We are therefore planning to include new crew in our usual pre-season training sessions and, with the benefit of these increased volunteer numbers, run a full season of trips from 1st May.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2022.
