Members’model behaviour
Members of Glasgow Richmond Model Boat Club were on hand to help an injured swan at the weekend, after it was set upon by a group of birds.
Just days before the club, which is based opposite Shawfield Stadium, holds its start of season show this Sunday, May 3, some of the members witnessed a horrendous attack on one of the pond’s many swans.
The bird was left swimming, but was obviously in distress.
A club member said: “A call went out for Malcolm Craik, who is the club’s resident wildlife expert. He is an animal lover, who has had special training on how to handle swans. The problem was how to reach the poor bird.
“Malcolm asked his friend and fellow club member Eddie Haig to help. The plan was to sail Eddie’s tug slowly towards the swan and gently persuade it to swim closer to the edge of the pond.
“Under Malcolm’s instruction, it only took a few minutes for Eddie to herd the swan to the water’s edge, where Malcolm was waiting with a large soft rubber ring. Malcolm’s first attempt failed but the second time the swan almost assisted us – as if it knew we were trying to help.
“Malcolm carries a swan bag in his car at all times – who else can claim that? It is specially designed to carry swans, in a safe manner.
“Malcolm concentrated on the injured swan while club secretary Robert Forman phoned the RSSPCA and Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue in Beith, Ayrshire, which the club has a connection with, to see who could get to the pond first.
“Hessilhead said they would attend immediately; the RSSPCA spokesman thanked us and agreed to stand down on this one.
“As soon the Hessilhead ambulance arrived, they found the swan had almost become a minor celebrity – at least you would think so, with the number of pictures that were being taken.
“To Malcolm, it was just another notch on his increasingly large belt!
“The club always looks out for the welfare of the ponds inhabitants, ever if their feathers get caught in our boats’ propellers.”
Further information on the club can be found at www. glasgowrichmondmbc. co.uk or by attending the open day this Sunday, from 11am onwards, when visitors will be able to have a go at sailing some of the models.