News

Spectacular Edinburgh big boat launch heralds new era for social enterprise

31 October 2008

A sixty (60) foot long newly-refitted wide-beam boat will be launched in Edinburgh today (Friday 31 October) marking a new era for the thriving social enterprise, Re-Union.

The launch of the new vessel is the culmination of months of hard work by 30 volunteers, and a £60,000 legacy fund from The EDI Group, the council-owned development company, which part-funded the programme to crew and maintain the boat. Support from the BIG Lottery funded the purchase of the hull.

The wide-beam barge will be hired out as venue space for a range of activities, including conferences, product launches and private functions. Re-Union re-invests all profits in training the volunteers that maintain and crew the boat, including the unemployed, those with mental health problems, and young people wanting to gain new skills.

Pat Bowie, Manager of Re-Union, which aims to involve communities in the Union Canal, said, “We are delighted to see this new boat set sail. The volunteers have worked incredibly hard, and it’s a real testament to their efforts that bookings for the vessel are already flooding in.

“The move to a larger boat is a significant step forward for Re-Union, and our thanks go to EDI, the BIG Lottery fund and all our other supporters. Through training volunteers in everything from hospitality to boat-building, first aid to local biodiversity, we can continue helping build communities in the West of Edinburgh.”

John Mark Di Ciacca, Acting Chief Executive of EDI, said, “It’s fantastic to see the EDI legacy fund being put to such good use.

“EDI’s main aim is to generate economic and social benefit through innovative development. The fund was established following our development of Pentland Gait, which transformed an area that was landlocked and blighted by electricity pylons, into attractive offices.

“Helping Re-Union grow will help build on that legacy of supporting the local communities. I hope the organisation continues to go from strength to strength.”

The legacy fund was created by EDI on completion of Pentland Gait, a 70,000 sq ft office development built adjacent to the Union Canal in Westerhailes to attract business and employment. The fund was to be used for a community-based project that would bring lasting benefits to the area. Last year, Re-Union bid for the cash to sustain their new, larger boat, following high demand for their 12-people capacity narrowboat.

ENDS

For further information call Esther Black, Pagoda PR, 0131 556 0770, esther.black@pagodapr.com

Notes for Editors

1. The EDI Group Limited www.edigroupscotland.co.uk is a private company which is 100% owned by City of Edinburgh Council. The EDI Group carries out a range of property development from office and retail through factories to housing for the homeless. It combines a commercial approach with a commitment to bringing architectural, environmental and social benefits to and through its projects. EDI’s wide ranging project portfolio includes office developments, retail properties within Edinburgh’s Old Town, Edinburgh Park, the long-term regeneration of Craigmillar, and residential schemes throughout Edinburgh. It operates mainly in the Edinburgh City region, but it has also a presence in Glasgow and North Ayrshire.

2. More about Re-Union
Re-Union is a social enterprise – a charity that generates income which is then invested into securing social benefits (including training volunteers), rather than the profit going to owners/shareholders.
Re-Union was established to serve the communities of West Edinburgh, but the widebeam boat is based at Edinburgh Quay to attract clients. Income comes from hiring the boat out to corporate, private and charity/community organisations (the latter at a discounted rate).
The profit is then invested in training people from all walks of life, including those with mental health issues, NEET (not in education, employment or training) young people, unemployed people seeking to rebuild their skills and confidence and people from socially and economically deprived areas.
Re-Union delivers canoe building programmes (including a week-long programme for young people in Wester Hailes), canal boat training and programmes on the culture and environment of the canal.

Re-Union Funders:
• BIG Lottery Fund
• Capital City Partnership
• One City
• The Henry Smith Charity
• Esmee Fairbairn
• Wester Hailes Education and Training Managers Group
• Children in Need
• Community Voices
• Voluntary Action Fund
• EDI
• British Waterways