Leisure Development

Scotland's network of waterways is a unique leisure asset. The majestic Caledonian Canal stretches from Inverness to Fort William and is one of the great waterways of the world, offering visitors spectacular scenery, amazing wildlife and the world famous Scots hospitality. The Crinan Canal, Scotland's most beautiful shortcut, offers a safe transit route from Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne to Crinan, thus avoiding the often difficult sail around the Mull of Kintyre and cutting over 160km (100 miles) off your journey. The rebirth of a cross-Scotland waterway linking Glasgow to Edinburgh and sea to sea gives us an opportunity to create an entirely new product for the country. The Lowland canal network - and particularly the unique Falkirk Wheel - offers the opportunity on the part of customers and potential customers for hire boat holidays.

Millions of visits are already made to the waterways in Scotland for walking, boating, cycling and angling. We are working with our partners to extend facilities and increase their use. For example, improved customer facilities at Bowling on the Forth & Clyde Canal are being progressed. We have installed additional moorings at Seaport Marina and constructed a new facility block at Banavie on the Caledonian Canal. The revitalisation of the Lowland canals reached another milestone with the opening of the £1.2 million mooring basin at Auchinstarry.

Visit www.scottishcanals.co.uk for further leisure and tourism information and information on all canal based events throughout Scotland.