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SCOTLAND'S CANALS: an asset for the future
1 FACTS AND SCOPE OF PAPER
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Neptune's Staircase, Caledonian Canal | |
Canals make a significant contribution to the Scottish economy. They: support over 500 jobs in the Highlands will generate thousands of jobs through regeneration of the central belt provide a valuable local amenity and resource for education, recreation and tourism act as a catalyst for change and create the opportunity of a renaissance for many communities, particularly along the Lowland canals.
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1.1 This paper relates to British Waterways' portfolio of canals and lochs in Scotland and related activities. It does not seek to describe the position concerning lochs that are not part of a canal, navigable rivers or estuaries.
1.2 Scotland has a small number of canals but they are some of the most famous and historic in Great Britain. Originally built between 1768 and 1822, they have suffered periods of decline. As we enter the 21st century, British Waterways (BW) is renovating, developing and transforming them into important national assets.
The Canal Infrastructure
Monkland Canal
1.3 With the completion of the Millennium Link, all of Scotland's canals except the Monkland are available for navigation. The Monkland Canal is nevertheless a vital part of the system. It provides the main water supply to the Forth & Clyde Canal and is locally important as an amenity for the community. Some plans have already been put forward to stimulate the re-opening of parts of the canal, for example the length passing Summerlee Park, the Time Capsule and Drumpellier Park.
Flood Water Management
1.4 The canals are now an integral part of the water table management system. The links established over the last 200 years allow large quantities of the country's surface water and agricultural drainage to be carried safely away to natural rivers and the sea.
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Crinan Bridge, Crinan Canal | | |
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