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the falkirk wheel

Top Tourism Award For The Falkirk Wheel

2 March 2007

The iconic Falkirk Wheel has reinforced its position as one of the country's leading visitor attractions with a top tourism prize at the prestigious 2007 Waterways Renaissance Awards.

The world's first and only rotating boat lift beat of competition from a host of projects across the UK to pick up the top prize in the Tourism & Recreation category at the awards ceremony in Manchester on 21st March. The attraction also secured a special Outstanding Achievement award on the night.

To add to the celebration the Auchinstarry mooring basin was commended in the Innovation Category.

Commenting on the awards, Steve Dunlop , Director Scotland at British Waterways said: "This is a fantastic achievement. The Falkirk Wheel has won a number of awards since it opened its doors in 2002, however, the Outstanding Achievement award is particularly pleasing at it acknowledges the huge effort that has been made over the past few years to create a top class visitor attraction which is recognised across the globe.

"I am also delighted that the ambitious and innovative programme to transform the canal at Auchinstarry has been recognised by the judges."

The Waterways Renaissance Awards, established by The Waterways Trust and the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA), seek to recognise and encourage best practice in sustainable waterway development and regeneration throughout the UK .

The Recreation & Tourism category, sponsored by the Institute of Leisure & Amenity Management, aims to recognise a project that has enhanced the use and enjoyment of the waterways for recreation or as a visitor attraction.

As the centrepiece of The Millennium Link - the British Waterways led project to reconnect and revitalise the Forth & Clyde and Union canals - The Falkirk Wheel is one of the country's leading visitor attractions with a unique tourism offering which includes a spectacular trip on the world's first and only rotating boat lift.

In awarding the prize the Judges noted: "The Falkirk Wheel has created jobs and new tourism opportunities for Falkirk and the Lowland Canals . In addition, the scheme has been delivered with aesthetic flair and the result is awe-inspiring. Its simple and functional design is an inspiration in innovation and engineering."

The Innovation category, sponsored by Halcrow, aims to recognise a project, large or small, that has contributed innovatively to the renaissance of our waterways.

Referring to the work at Auchinstarry the judging panel noted: "The project has involved the use of heat pumps, reed beds and a sensory garden to provide a sustainable future for the canal basin. A wind turbine is also due to be installed which will make this a good project for others to emulate when developing sustainable marinas."

John Craven, presenter of BBC 1's Countryfile and Vice President of The Waterways Trust, announced the winners at a gala ceremony in Manchester on Wednesday 21 March.

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

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.

The waterways Trust

The Waterways Trust is a national charity working in partnerships with others to promote greater public enjoyment and awareness of the UK 's inland waterways. We raise funds for waterway regeneration, conservation, recreation, community, arts, education, access and activity projects. The nationally important designated collections in our three waterway museums at Gloucester Docks, Ellesmere Port and Stoke Bruerne, together with the Waterways Archive, bring the history of the waterways alive for everyone.

BURA

BURA, the British Urban Regeneration Association, was formed in 1990 to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, experience and information for the emerging regeneration sector. BURA has become the leading independent organisation for those involved in regeneration. Its unique strength is derived from its wide range of members who represent the private, public and community sectors, and this distinguishes it from all other sectoral interest groups. BURA identifies and promotes best practice in regeneration and advocates an integrated approach to the social, economic and environmental issues involved. The Association offers its members national and regional networks, dynamic and diverse events, seminars and conferences and specialist forums covering key issues of the regeneration.