Firth boats success story spotlighted 

About the business

Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Ed and Paula Gatti, who are Wildlife Medics with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the business gives nature and wildlife enthusiasts the chance to explore the region.

The company was launched in July 2022 to provide fishing, wildlife and scenic trips around the Clyde and nearby sea lochs. It is also currently the only charter boat offering fishing trips on the Clyde.

How Business Gateway has helped

After spending 30 years living in the USA, where Ed worked in law enforcement, the couple relocated to Skelmorlie, around 40 minutes West of Glasgow, in 2020. Keen to show off the beauty of Scotland’s shores, they had a goal of setting up a business on the water and approached Business Gateway for support.

Through Business Gateway, Ed and Paula accessed a suite of start-up support, which involved developing a business plan and accessing grant funding to develop a website. They also benefitted from advice from a marketing specialist.

Operating for ten months out of the year, Firth of Clyde Boat Tours has recently expanded into providing fishing tours, which was supported by a marketing grant signposted by Business Gateway. The business also works with filming crews and university research teams outside of the traditional tourist season to ensure a steady stream of income to help keep the business afloat.  

Ed Gatti, Co-owner, Firth of Clyde Boat Tours, said: “Business Gateway has been incredibly important throughout our start-up process, and even more so than we originally anticipated. Our adviser, Mario, has the unique ability in his position to direct and signpost us to various support services and grant funding, while also offering advice that is free of charge. You really can’t beat this when starting up a business.”