A ferry good time!

A ferry once again operated across the River Almond on Friday 3rd Sept 2010. Cramond Scouts constructed a chain ferry to cross the River Almond to the Dalmeny Estate to kick off their exciting winter term schedule. It’s perhaps the first time in about 10 years that a ferry has been seen on the River Almond.

“It was great to see the crowd of scouts waiting to cross at the steps and to watch the little boat being hauled back and forth. It’s wonderful to see such life again at Cramond.” said a local dog walker.

Some long rope, an inflatable dinghy, buoyancy aids, and manpower were all it took. “I couldn’t feel my arms the next day” said Scout Leader Mike Treanor. “It was a good upper body workout!” In all about 60 people were transported on the Scout chain ferry.

The Scouts were crossing the River Almond to ‘go wild’ in the Dalmeny estate, before returning by the ferry at the end of the evening. 17 of the older scouts having built shelters, slept out. Recent forestry work on the Dalmeny estate meant there was plenty material for the Scouts to use to build their own natural shelters. It was a perfect late summer evening; warm and still, which is just as well, as a number of Scouts were sleeping under the stars rather than under their shelters! After a hearty breakfast, cooked on an open fire, the Scouts walked off the estate in the morning.

A wonderful start to the Scout term, and a ‘ferry good time’ was had by all!