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the falkirk wheel

Caley Opens For New Season

31 March 2006

Spring is in the air and the Caledonian Canal is back in action for the new season following the completion of a busy winter maintenance programme.

The programme saw a number of works carried out across the Caledonian Canal including restoration activity at Banavie and Corpach, and a complete refurbishment of Dochgarroch Lock.

The works were carried out during the winter months to minimise disruption to canal users with specific activities including pressure grouting to stabilise the lock walls, repointing of masonry, cill repairs, pipe work renewal and the replacement of lock gates.

Commenting on the reopening of the canal Russell Thomson , said: "We have had a busy winter shutdown but we are now up and running again and looking forward to welcoming a host of visitors to the Caledonian Canal for the 2006 season."

As the 200 year old waterway opens for the 2006 season this week, waterway users are being asked to spare a couple of hours to help spring clean the canal towpath at Charleston in Inverness on Saturday 8 April.

The event will bring important wildlife benefits as well as improving the appearance of the canal and is part of a week long UK wide Towpath Tidy campaign being led by British Waterways and voluntary groups. For further details on how to take part, please contact Russell Thomson , Customer Service Manager at British Waterways on 01463 233 140.

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 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.