Maritime Volunteer Service

Marigot and Badger are back in Victoria Dock having carried over 1700 passengers during the course of their popular trips on the Tay run from Dundee by the Maritime Volunteer Service.

This season’s sea and river-borne excursions included the rescue of a young family from a broken-down vessel and a dolphin trip for Rowan Atkinson, Clive Anderson and their families.

The ever-popular dolphins made regular appearances in the outer estuary accompanied towards the middle of September by several very young calves.

Those fortunate enough to see them were entranced by the sight of mother and offspring spontaneously swimming together quite close to the boats.

The trips to Perth, apart from the spectacular scenery and rich historical interest, also featured the occasional appearance of an osprey, on one occasion carrying a large salmon or sea-trout.

Several special excursions were provided, including one for the archaeologists who found the remarkable Carpow logboat and a dolphin trip where Mr Bean star Rowan Atkinson had a go at steering Marigot.

Rowan was joined by TV presenter Clive Anderson, Blackadder’s David Lloyd and their families.

The group showed a keen interest in the history of the Tay, Scotland’s longest river, and were particularly interested in the story of the Tay Bridge disaster.

There was also drama during a dolphin-spotting trip in August when Marigot was diverted to rescue a young family from a broken-down vessel just off Tayport.

A member of the public had seen the stricken launch and made a 999 call.

When the coastguard asked for any vessels in the area to assist, Marigot was only about 1.5 miles away.

Marigot was returning from her last trip of the day with passengers onboard and was able to take the launch, Maid Marian, which had an engine fault, in tow to a point off Broughty Ferry.

There, the tow to Newport was completed by sister ship MVS Badger.

Those on the Maid Marian were none the worse for their experience.

The next season will begin in May 2008.

Inspired by the discovery of a photograph in Dundee Central Library, the feasibility of excursions to the Bridge of Earn is under examination.

The photograph, which will ultimately be included on the library’s Photopolis website, shows a paddle steamer berthed just downstream from the old bridge, since demolished.

Subject to survey by smaller vessels, it is likely that Badger will be capable of making this passage.

Once operating and maintenance costs have been met, all proceeds from the Tay River Trips are devoted to the Taymara Project for training vulnerable groups www.taymara.org and to the restoration of the North Carr Lightship.