Break the Law or Lose Our Business?

Aim

Standing up for workplace safety put our family business at risk. Help us prepare our appeal and protect our future.

Safety or Survival? 

Our Family Business Shouldn't Have to Choose

We are Hannah and Derek Grier, directors of Seagrass Marine, a family-run training business based in Oban, Scotland, along with our youngest team member and self-appointed "Unmanageable Director," Elspeth.

Seagrass Marine is not a large company backed by investors or shareholders. It is our family's livelihood. It is the result of years of hard work, long days, late nights and taking risks to build something meaningful here on Scotland's west coast.

We created Seagrass Marine because we believe training should be practical, engaging and genuinely useful. From marine engineering and boating skills to first aid and workplace safety, we have helped hundreds of people across Oban, Argyll and the wider west coast gain confidence, qualifications and skills that make a real difference.

Like many small business owners, we have poured everything into our business. We have invested our savings, our time and our energy into creating opportunities for others while trying to build a secure future for our own family.

Today, that future is under threat.

On 24 January 2025, Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to the roof of our training centre. What should have been a straightforward response to an insured event instead became the starting point for a series of disagreements concerning safety, fire escape arrangements, access to the premises and conduct that we believe had no place in a professional landlord–tenant relationship. Those events ultimately led to the commercial eviction we are now seeking to appeal.

Throughout the process, we have maintained that safety concerns, including those relating to fire safety and access arrangements, should not be ignored. Standing by those principles has come at a significant personal and financial cost.

The legal process has been overwhelming. We have largely had to represent ourselves because professional legal representation has simply been beyond our means. Following an adverse first-instance judgment on 12 June 2026, we intend to appeal when it is procedurally competent and appropriate to do so, because we believe the issues deserve proper scrutiny and because the consequences are enormous; not just for our business, but for our family and the communities we serve.

Our vision is simple. We want to continue providing training from the west coast of Scotland, supporting our learners, serving our community and growing the business we have worked so hard to build. We want Seagrass Marine to continue helping people develop skills, gain qualifications and stay safe, whether they work on the water, in industry or in their local communities.

The funds raised through this campaign will help us pursue our appeal, obtain professional advice where needed and keep the business moving forward while we navigate this uncertainty.

We believe everyone deserves a fair hearing, regardless of their resources. This campaign will help us continue our appeal and ensure that a small family business has the opportunity to have its concerns properly heard.

Whether you can donate, share our story, offer legal expertise, professional guidance or simply help spread the word, every contribution could make a real difference to our fight for a fair hearing.

Legal Eagle – Advice, Guidance or Professional Support

For those willing to share their expertise, guidance or professional support. Your knowledge, experience and generosity could make a meaningful difference to our efforts and help us navigate the challenges ahead.

You'll receive: An Official Legal Eagle Certificate and our eternal gratitude. Potential side effects include receiving an occasional email beginning with the words, "Can we just ask one quick question..."

From Hannah, Derek and Elspeth (who still believes she is in charge of everything), thank you for your support.
Seagrass Marine, Oban

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made