We are Hannah and Derek Grier, founders of Seagrass Marine, a family-run training business based in Oban, Scotland. Along with our daughter Elspeth, we have spent years building a business dedicated to delivering practical, engaging training that helps people gain real skills, qualifications and confidence.
Seagrass Marine is not backed by investors or shareholders. It is our family's livelihood, built through hard work, personal sacrifice and a belief that high-quality training should be available on Scotland's west coast.
In January 2025, Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to our training centre. What should have been a straightforward response to an insured event instead developed into a dispute concerning safety, fire escape arrangements, access to the premises and conduct that we believe fell well below what any tenant should reasonably expect from a professional landlord–tenant relationship.
Throughout this process, we have maintained that basic health and safety requirements, including safe fire escape arrangements, should not be compromised. Taking that position has come at a significant personal, professional and financial cost.
The dispute ultimately resulted in a court judgment that would require us to leave our premises, a decision that we are now seeking to appeal. We believe important issues have never received the level of scrutiny they deserve and that a small family business should have the same opportunity to be heard as any large organisation.
The legal process has been overwhelming. We have largely had to represent ourselves because professional legal representation has simply been beyond our means. We are now fighting not only for our business, but for the future we have worked so hard to build for our family and the communities we serve.
Funds raised through this campaign will help us pursue our appeal, obtain professional advice where needed and keep Seagrass Marine moving forward while we navigate this uncertainty.
Whether you choose to donate, share our story or offer professional expertise, every contribution makes a difference.
Thank you for standing with a small family business fighting for a fair hearing.
Hannah, Derek and Elspeth
Seagrass Marine, Oban