The Crossing 2007 - Caledonian Canal Celebrations

19 March 2007

Following news that the theatre ship MV Fitzcarraldo will not be ready in time for the 2007 Crossing canal festival in June, British Waterways has taken the regrettable decision to cancel the planned event.

The ship was scheduled to be the centrepiece attraction in a week long celebration of the Caledonian Canal, however, travelling drama company Walk the Plank has now informed event organisers that a planned programme of repairs is taking longer to complete than originally estimated.

It was hoped that a series of events would be held across the full length of the canal, from Corpach near Fort William to Muirtown Basin in Inverness, with the Fitzcarraldo leading a flotilla of boats along the waterway.

To ensure the Caledonian Canal maintains a presence in the Highland 2007 celebrations, plans are now being taken forward for a smaller community based event at Muirtown Basin in Inverness during the summer.

The Caledonian Canal has always played a key role in Highland life and British Waterways has placed a high priority on ensuring that the waterway maintains its position as a major contributor to the economy of the area. In line with this the organisation is now looking to continue the momentum that is being generated by the organisers of Highland 2007, with plans now being developed to place the waterway at the heart of the organisation's events strategy over the coming years.

Commenting on the canal festival Steve Dunlop, Director Scotland at British Waterways said: "This has been a very difficult decision and we have discussed the issue at length with our partners in Highland 2007. Having looked at all the options we firmly believe that the festival would be seriously compromised if the Fitzcarraldo is not involved and therefore there is no other choice but to cancel the Caledonian Canal Celebrations.

"Although we are very disappointed at having to take this decision, British Waterways is now looking to the future and to building on the legacy of Highland 2007 with a series of events and initiatives that will showcase this magnificent waterway over the coming years."

Ends

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

Notes to Editors

British Waterways Scotland

Responsibility for inland waterways in Scotland is a devolved matter, with funding for British Waterways' Scottish activities coming from 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.