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SCOTLAND'S CANALS: an asset for the future
FOREWORD
Scotland's canals have been a neglected asset for far too long. Now however, British Waterways (BW) is playing a pivotal role in bringing about momentous changes. Together with the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council (IWAAC), the Waterways Trust Scotland and a growing number of enthusiastic volunteers, they are revitalising the canal system. The Scottish Executive will play an important part in securing the future of our inland waterways and encouraging their development.
Our canal network may not be as extensive as in other countries, but the canals we do have vary enormously and have considerable potential. In the north, the Caledonian Canal is set in some of the most magnificent scenery in Europe and offers considerable scope for increasing tourism. Indeed, the canal already plays an important part in sustaining the economy of the Great Glen with studies showing it accounts for 14% of tourism spend in the area.
The Crinan Canal is also set in a stunning location. While short at 9 miles in length, it has always been an important maritime link between the Clyde estuary and the cruising waters of the West Highlands. It is now also a well known tourist destination contributing greatly to the local economy.
Bowling, Forth & Clyde Canal
At its eastern end, in partnership with Argyll and the Islands Enterprise Company and Argyll and Bute Council, the harbour at Ardrishaig has been developed as a major timber export base. This initiative now handles 50,000 tonnes of freight annually, removing 1 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads over a 3-year period and also supports local hauliers with transfer of freight to quayside.
In the central Lowlands, we are witnessing the virtual rebirth of the Forth & Clyde and Union canals as part of the Millennium Link, BW's biggest ever project which included the construction of the world's first rotating boat lift - the Falkirk Wheel. This unique and innovative structure has rejoined both canals and through navigation is now once more possible between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Coupled with the restoration of the world's first sea-to-sea ship canal, the project has opened up 78 miles of towpath for walkers and cyclists. Already the use of some lengths have increased by 700%.
BW is developing major schemes, in partnership, at Edinburgh Quay, Glasgow City Wharf and at the Rosebank Distillery at Falkirk to initiate secondary investment and to fulfill the urban regeneration aspirations of the project.
Devolution, and the consequential transfer of responsibilities to Scottish Ministers, offers considerable potential for development and regeneration, particularly along the Lowland canals. This paper investigates some of the possibilities, including the development of freight traffic.
At the same time, we recognise that we need to take good care of these historic assets, and to protect and cultivate the biodiversity of aquatic and wildlife habitat along Scotland's canals. We want the people of Scotland to rediscover the canals whether through sailing, walking, cycling or enjoying the varied flora and fauna.
I know there is a lot of goodwill towards developing our canal network, and making it accessible to all sectors of society. This paper sets out our aspirations to unlock the benefits the canal system can bring. We want to use it to raise the profile of canals, to develop our future policy and we intend to grasp opportunities in the future to promote their worth. With the help of BW - particularly the new British Waterways Scotland Group - and others, we can do this. Devolution has given us the opportunity we need in Scotland to make the most of our canal network.
Iain Gray, MSP
Minister for Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning
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