Academic opts for riverboat life

Vyvyan Howard transported the barge from Liverpool

A new professor has made a bit of a splash on his arrival at the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus.

Pollution expert Vyvyan Howard decided to skip the joys of the halls of residence, choosing life on the River Bann instead.

Professor Howard has transported his 70-foot barge from his old home in Liverpool to Coleraine harbour.

Until he finds something more permanent on the north coast, the professor of bio-imaging will live on the houseboat with his partner, fellow toxicologist Dr Gesa Staats de Yanes.

The couple will be the only people living on the Bann, but Professor Howard insists barge-dwellers are not uncommon back in England.

"Living on canals has become more popular, especially when you consider that the running costs compare very favourably to living in conventional housing," he said.

He hopes that he can avoid that sinking feeling during his life on the Bann, but he has had ample time to get his sea legs.

Barge living is not so common in Northern Ireland

"I originally bought the barge to tour around the canals during summer holidays and I had it completely renovated last year," he said.

Professor Howard said they have looked at several properties near the university but had not decided on anything yet.

"We don't want to hurry such an important decision, so we have decided to live on the boat until we find a home on dry land," he added.

The boat, named Sus Volans, which loosely translates as Flying Pig, is now moored at Drumaheglis Marina.

Professor Howard has a reputation for strong views on issues such as waste management and the harmful effects of pollutants on unborn babies.

The academic is already familiar with the north coast, having been a visiting professor at the university's Coleraine campus for more than three years.