Falkirk Gets Ready for 'Action Outdoors'

3 June 2008

3 June2008

Cathy Peattie MSP Signals the Start of Work on Falkirk 's New Activity Centre -

Photo opportunity: 3 June 2008, 10.00-11.30am

On Tuesday (3 June 2008) a turf cutting ceremony will signal the start of construction of the Action Outdoors project. The project is a partnership between The Waterways Trust Scotland , Falkirk Council and British Waterways Scotland to build a brand new activity centre for the Falkirk community to enjoy.

Cathy Peattie, MSP for Falkirk East, will cut a piece of turf at the The Grange Community Education Centre on the Union Canal at Brightons in Falkirk .

The new centre will provide Falkirk with a well equipped and staffed activity centre that will engage the community by offering a wide range of sporting activities based around the canal. 

Work will commence on this approximately £1m project on 9 June 2008 with the hope of completion by October 2008.

The Outdoor Activity Centre will include canoeing, kayaking, cycling, guided environmental walks, angling, rock climbing and raft making, as well as training, teambuilding and self development courses, many of which will be based on the Union Canal .

Karen Moore, Development Director for Scotland for The Waterways Trust Scotland , said: "This exciting project began with the completion of a new slipway in 2006. The new centre will provide many activities and outdoor pursuits for the community to enjoy. The centre will also be ideal for group sessions like The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and John Muir Awards. The centre will make a real difference to people in and around Falkirk and beyond, and we hope that all facilities will be regularly use by the whole community."

Councillor Adrian Mahoney, convener of Falkirk Council's Environment & Heritage Committee said: "It's very encouraging to see the potential of the canal network within the Falkirk Council area is being realised. Projects like this bring canals back to life for our local communities and the Council is very pleased to be a partner in this worthwhile initiative."

Richard Millar of British Waterways Scotland said: "The Millennium Link Project paved the way for further regeneration along the canals in this area. We want people from all over to make use of and enjoy Scotland 's canals. British Waterways Scotland is pleased to be involved in this partnership as the centre will be an asset to the Union canal."

Ends 2 June 2008

Press enquiries:

Justine Lee

Communications Manager

The Waterways Trust

Tel: 01452 318213 / 07917 804550

Email: Justine.lee@thewaterwaystrust.org

Photo opportunity:

Turf Cutting Ceremony led by Cathy Peattie MSP for Falkirk East on the 3 June, 10.00 am -11.30 am at The Grange Community Education Centre, Redding Road, Brightons, Falkirk, FK2 0AA to celebrate the start of the construction of the Action Outdoors Project - a partnership between TWTS, Falkirk Council and BWS.

Present at the event will be:

Karen Moore, Head of Development, The Waterways Trust Scotland

Representatives from British Waterways Scotland

Representatives from Falkirk Council

Notes to Editors:

The Waterways Trust is a national charity working to promote greater public enjoyment of the UK 's waterways by raising funds for waterway restoration, conservation, recreation and education. The nationally important Designated inland waterway collection in our three museums at Gloucester , Ellesmere Port and Stoke Bruerne, together with the Waterways Archive, brings the history of the waterways alive for everyone.