There are a number of groups that have a close interest in the development and future of the canal network in Scotland. They are:
The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC)
The Council is a statutory cross-border advisory body which advises both British Waterways and the Scottish Executive about the use and development of the canal network. Scottish Ministers appoint 2 members to IWAC & contribute funding. The current Scottish appointees are Duncan McGhie and Fiona Willis. From 1 January 2010 Fiona Willis will stand down and Ronnie Rusack will takeover.
Scottish Canal Development Group (SCDG)
The Scottish Canal Development Group (SCDG), chaired by the Scottish Executive, meets bi-annually. The aim of the group is to ensure that the momentum for developing Scotland's canals, their corridors and canal side communities is maintained. Also that potential development opportunities to expand the leisure, tourism and business use of canals are identified and brought to fruition.
The group includes high level representation from a wide range of public sector organisations, including local authorities, British Waterways, Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland, Sportscotland, Scottish National Heritage, Historic Scotland, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council.