10 Year Works Programme Ends On Caledonian Canal

6 June 2006

2006 is set to be a milestone year in the 200 year history of the Caledonian Canal with the announcement that a 10 year £20 million works programme is now complete and the long term future of the magnificent waterway has been secured.

Started in 1996, the lock stabilisation programme set out to revitalise the historic waterway and ensure that it maintained its position as an economic driving force in the Highlands . Studies have shown that the waterway accounts for 14% of tourism spend in the area and supports around 500 jobs.

From Clachnaharry Sea Lock in the north to Corpach sea lock in the south, the restoration programme has seen extensive works to the majority of the 29 locks and many other structures on the canal. Many of the techniques and specialist products used in the lock stabilisation process were specially created by British Waterways for use on the Caledonian Canal .

Commenting on the completion of the works programme , Campbell Christie , Vice Chairman of British Waterways and Chairman of the British Waterways Scotland Group said : "This represents a very significant moment in the history of the Caledonian Canal . The huge restoration effort has helped to both ensure the long term future of the canal and provide a platform to continue to expand a range of leisure activities, such as the Sail Caledonia event which starts tomorrow, and a variety of other commercial activities on and around the waterway.

"The support of the Scottish Executive, Historic Scotland, the Highland Council and our other partners in the area has been absolutely critical at all stages of the works programme. I look forward to continuing to develop this working relationship in the future to ensure that the waterway continues to contribute to the Highland economy for many years to come."

During the programme the works were scheduled for the winter months to ensure the least amount of disruption to canal users. Amongst other activities the works included pressure grouting to stabilise the lock walls, repointing of masonry, cill repairs, pipe work renewal and the replacement of lock gates.

In 2004 Muirtown Basin was drained down and cleared of rubbish for the first time in over 20 years and in the most recent winter works programme restoration activity was conducted at Banavie and Corpach, while Dochgarroch Lock was completely refurbished.

With the completion of the works comes an opportunity to push forward a range of initiatives on the Caledonian Canal , including the potential reintroduction of freight onto the waterway. A major trial was undertaken on the canal last year which saw a vessel capable of carrying 1000 tonne loads pass along the waterway. The trial, which was undertaken by waterway freight transport company K.D. Marine (UK) Ltd with support from the Scottish Executive and British Waterways, could lead to thousands of lorry miles being removed from Highland roads in the future.

Freight transfer via canal is acknowledged as being a safe and environmentally friendly way of moving non time sensitive goods, with the reduction of road congestion and pollution making this a truly sustainable method of transport. By way of illustration, a one thousand tonne load travelling from Inverness to Fort William on the Caledonian Canal would take the equivalent of 6,000 lorry miles off Highland roads.

Steve Dunlop , Director, Scotland at British Waterways commented: "Although we have placed a high priority on developing the leisure and tourism potential of the canals, British Waterways and our partners on the Highland Canals Steering Group are continually looking at alternative uses for the canal network which are both environmentally friendly and sustainable.

"In line with this the Scottish Executive has encouraged British Waterways and its partners to find ways of redeveloping freight on the canals. This significant trial is an important step towards meeting this aim which could generate benefits for communities across Scotland .

"The challenge now is to turn the trial into actual freight being taken through the canals - the building of the Glendoe hydro power station beside Loch Ness is one possibility we are pursuing with interested parties."

Ends

Issued on behalf of British Waterways by Wave PR. For further information contact Chris Bell , Tel: 0141 303 8390 Mobile : 07974 692 330.

Note to Editors

British Waterways Scotland

Responsibility for inland waterways in Scotland is a devolved matter, with funding for British Waterways' Scottish activities generated through its commercial activities as well as grant support (totaling £10.9m in 2006/2007) fr om the Scottish Executive. In Scotland the 137 mile (220km) canal network includes the Caledonian, Crinan, Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland canals.

British Waterways Scotland works in partnerships with local authorities, voluntary groups, private companies and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run.

The organisation balances the conservation of the country's heritage and environment with developing commercial opportunities to generate income to reinvest in the waterways for further sustainable regeneration.

Canal Freight

British Waterways is committed to doubling freight carriage on its inland waterways throughout the UK by 2010, focussing on minerals, waste, construction & demolition materials and containers.