Traditional boat building skills in Scotland are in decline, with the few remaining boat builders lacking the resources to train others. Glasgow’s contribution to maritime history is famous but much of this important heritage is at risk of being lost.

As part of this project, eight young people are participating in an 18-month apprenticeship, working towards a City & Guilds shipwright qualification. On top of this, GalGael expects over 200 participants to attend boat building training courses.

Participants are working on two main goals:

• to build new wooden boats using traditional methods
• to restore a historic ship, the Starcrest, so that it can be accessed by the public before it deteriorates beyond repair

The project works with people with multiple barriers to progression, such as long-term unemployment and those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Volunteers and staff are working with local partners to research strategies to develop the traditional boat building sector. Participants are also learning about the history of boat building through visits to maritime heritage centres.

Find out more on the GalGael website.