Voyager began with discussions within the Forth and Clyde Canal Society on the benefits of building a bigger vessel to increase the usage of the canal to large groups. From initial ideas this project grew to obtaining the services of a naval architect and plans being drawn. Then came the task of obtaining funding.
With the help of a Lottery grant and grants from East Dunbartonshire Council and other interested parties the manufacturing of the vessel began. After the completion of the plans the vessel construction at a yard in th east end of Glasgow commenced. Here the vessel looks like a set of ribs awaiting its skin.
Slowly but surely the vessel began to grow and Voyager began to take shape often under the gaze of society members who visited and photographed her taking form.
Finally after many months, the members begin to see the vessel they had waited for ready for final touches and painting.
Voyager now sits with the first primer coat and ready for the all important exterior coat of paint. Below the last two stages, when on 25 June 2005 Voyager was transported on a low-loader to Kirkintilloch and lowered by crane into the Hillhead Basin for her first sail on the Forth and Clyde Canal.
