Wetwheels charity launches in Scotland with vessel in Port Edgar
The foundation provides people with disabilities with the opportunity to get onto the water
A charity giving people with disabilities the chance to get into sailing is expanding into Scotland, with a new boat to be based in South Queensferry.
Wet Wheels already has six boats across England and Wales, meaning the latest addition in Port Edgar will be the first north of the border.
Wet Wheels was founded in Portsmouth by disabled yachtsman, Geoff Holt MBE in 2011 with the mission to give disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages - including those with multiple, profound and complex impairments - access to the water.
The boats have enough room for 10 passengers, three of whom can be wheelchair users.
'Port Edgar was the perfect place'
Geoff said: "It's a power catamaran, powered by twin 325 horsepower engines, and the beauty of them is that we take all disabilities on board.
"People can come along with friends and family and enjoy some time on the water, and everyone can drive the boat including wheelchair users.
"That means everyone, for a moment in time, can be masters and commanders of a power boat which is such a nice thing.
"We knew that there we so many people in Scotland who could take advantage of this, and we realised Port Edgar was the perfect place for our 7th Wet Wheels boat."
'Blue benefits'
Geoff explained it's an opportunity for families to forget their worries, after experiencing what he calls the "blue benefits" of sailing.
He said: "I've been in a wheelchair nearly 40 years now and I've been lucky to sail around the world despite my disability.
"It's important to take time out for our mental health and wellbeing, and it's proven that being near blue spaces and on the water is great for mindfulness.
"It's a chance to forget about your woes and troubles and do something fun - I believe people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by the challenges of life.
"I want to provide something that lets people forget about all this, and the last thing we talk about is our problems and disabilities.
"It's about the wildlife, feeling the sea spray on your face and feeling the wind in your hair.
"I'm very lucky and proud to be able to provide that to people in Edinburgh."