Bearsden Resident Constructs 30ft Yacht in Garden for Christmas

Following a cancer diagnosis, 82-year-old great-grandfather Ian Rankin, who previously enjoyed constructing small model boats, embarked on a significant new project. Over the past 12 months, he meticulously built a 30ft yacht by hand in his Bearsden back garden, aiming for it to “bring joy” and “make people happy” during the festive season. Adorned with hundreds of Christmas lights, the vessel and its 33ft mast are visible to passers-by on Milngavie Road. Mr. Rankin notes that individuals frequently express how the display has brightened their day, with one neighbor remarking that it has “lit up her Christmas”. He also shared that the endeavor served as a form of “therapy” during his treatment for bowel cancer. “It’s done me good,” he states. “It’s given me a purpose to get up in the morning and do something.” A passionate sailor, Ian previously displayed a small model boat in his garden. The positive feedback from a passer-by, who mentioned it brought them happiness, motivated him to construct a full-sized yacht. His daughter, Lucindy, 52, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, informed the BBC that her father worked “in all weathers” throughout the past year to finish the boat by Christmas. She commented, “One thing about my father, nothing keeps him down.” She added, “Getting a stoma bag; battling bowel cancer; 82 years of age – he carries on.” Lucindy concluded, “To say he’s one in a million to me is an understatement.” Mr. Rankin observes that local children frequently refer to the yacht as “the boat in the sky,” owing to its tall mast and elevated placement on a hill within his back garden. He expressed his hope that its existence would demonstrate to young individuals that remarkable creations are possible even in the face of advanced age and poor health. “I want to expand the imagination of the younger generation,” he affirmed. “If an old guy at 82 can do this, they can do anything.” Ian is urging those who are “cheered up” by the boat to contribute to the Bearsden Christmas Yacht for Beatson Cancer Charity JustGiving page. He stated that the Glasgow-based charity has provided “tremendous” support to his family. Four years ago, his daughter Lucindy received a diagnosis of terminal breast cancer and was given two years to live. Additionally, Ian’s wife Vera has been battling breast cancer at the Beatson Centre, and his brother Donald passed away in 2023 from prostate cancer. “People have taken time and effort and money in tough economic times to donate to the cause – and that cheers me up no end,” Ian remarked. The yacht is now a permanent fixture in Ian’s garden. “It’s a thing of beauty. I love looking at it,” he commented. “It gives me pleasure, and I hope it gives other people pleasure.” Following the Christmas period, Ian anticipates transforming the boat into a “man cave,” where he plans to resume his hobby of constructing small model boats. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.