Glasgow Humane Society receive major boost

On Wednesday, November 8, in a symbolic ceremony at the recently renovated West Boathouse in Glasgow Green, William Graham, officer of the Glasgow Human Society, and Duncan Evans, chair of Glasgow Humane Society, were presented with a cheque and ceremonial lifebuoy from W H Kirkwood Ltd. 

Founded in 1790, the Glasgow Human Society is dedicated to saving lives in and around the city's waterways and they are the oldest practical lifesaving organisation in the world. 

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L-R: William Graham, Duncan Evans, Fiona Rodden (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

They are also project partners and friends of the recent West Boathouse rejuvenation project. 

The West Boathouse celebrated its grand reopening earlier this year following a successful repair and renewal programme which was delivered through a collaborative effort between Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, lead contractor W H Kirkwood Ltd and architects ARPL. 

Fiona Rodden, commercial director of W H Kirkwood Ltd, handed over the donation today and says the organisation chose the charity because of the work they do for the community. 

She said: "I am delighted to be able to make this donation to the Glasgow Humane Society on behalf of W H Kirkwood Ltd. 

"The Society does such wonderful work, not only physically out on the river saving lives daily, but also education to improve public safety and accident prevention.

"We are proud to be able to contribute to the community in this way to assist with keeping our waterways safe for all to enjoy and wish the Society all the best for the future."

The aims of the Glasgow Humane Society are to preserve human life in around the waterways of greater Glasgow, to provide lifeboat and safety services where and when requested, to advise councils, emergency services, universities, schools, businesses, riverside users and members of the public of safety and accident prevention, and to educate the public about water safety.

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Duncan Evans, chair of Glasgow Humane Society, says the donation will help towards water safety education programmes.

He said: "It's absolutely wonderful to get such a generous donation from W H Kirkwood .

"We use the money directly for our education and training water safety to school kids and to support a programme for volunteering so the money will be put to good use.

"We are fortunate as about half our funding comes from donations and half through partnership with Glasgow City Council, which we're delighted about and and that allows us to continue our work in terms of water safety on the river and all the waterways through Glasgow."

William Graham, officer of the Glasgow Humane Society, added: "It's really great they chose the Glasgow Humane Society to get the donation. 

"As a charity we live on a shoe string really, so every little penny counts and £1000 is a great amount to receive." 

The West Boathouse project has repaired and adapted the listed building, improving accessibility and providing new facilities and flexible multi-use spaces. 

The £3.05million project was made possible through the support of various organisations, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, The Robertson Trust, Glasgow City Council, the William Grant Foundation, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, the Architectural Heritage Fund.