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An 82-year-old great-grandfather from Bearsden, Ian Rankin, has constructed a 30ft yacht in his back garden over the course of a year. The boat’s 33ft mast is adorned with hundreds of Christmas lights, bringing joy and happiness to those passing by on Milngavie Road. Ian wants to inspire younger generations with his project, hoping that its presence demonstrates that despite old age and illness, people can still create amazing things. He feels that expanding the imagination of young people is essential, especially in these uncertain times.
Ian is a keen sailor who used to keep a small model boat in his garden. After a passer-by expressed how happy the sight of the miniature ship made them feel, Ian was inspired to take on a new challenge by building a full-sized yacht. His daughter, Lucindy, 52, who is also fighting cancer, told the BBC that Ian had been out “in all weathers” over the past year to complete the boat by Christmas.
The project does not only bring joy to others; it also has a therapeutic effect on Ian. The boat’s construction served as a form of “therapy” for him, providing a purpose to fulfil every day and something to look forward to. “It’s done me good,” he says. “It’s given me a purpose to get up in the morning and do something.”
Ian is encouraging those who are cheered up by his yacht to make donations to the Beatson Cancer Charity, which has done a tremendous amount for his family. His daughter Lucindy has battled terminal breast cancer since being diagnosed four years ago; his wife Vera has been treated for breast cancer at the Beatson Centre, and his brother Donald died in 2023 from prostate cancer. Ian hopes that people will be inspired to help others and give back to this worthy organisation.
After the holiday season, Ian plans to convert the yacht into a “man cave” and continue building his small model boats. The giant structure has a permanent home in Ian’s back garden, and he said, “It’s a thing of beauty. I love looking at it. It gives me pleasure, and I hope it gives other people pleasure.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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