Animating the canal
20 June 2008
Photo opportunity : xxx, 25 June, Bowling Harbour
(full details see end of release)
On Wednesday 25 June, Lord Provost Denis Agnew will join 40 school children and community groups to celebrate the completion of a £163,000 project to improve 7km of towpath on the Forth & Clyde Canal stretching from Bowling Harbour to Whitecrook.
The signage, seating and access project was developed by environmental and heritage charity, The Waterways Trust Scotland, British Waterways Scotland and West Dunbartonshire Council to improve the canalside environment.
Pupils from Clydemuir School and Gavin Burn Primary School along with local community groups have added a splash of colour to the Canal Basin at Bowling Harbour with ceramic tile artwork.
Working alongside Julia Smith, a professional artist from Deepfried, the pupils created colourful ceramic tiles which now adorn litterbins and picnic benches at key points along the 7km stretch of waterway.
Trainees from the Coach House Trust have also carved picnic tables, benches and litter bins which are now installed at Bowling Harbour . A 2 metre high carved swan created by artist Mick Burns provides a stunning focal point at the harbour.
Through the project new signage directing people to the famous canal and new information and orientation boards have been installed at key points.
An improved surface has been created at Portpatrick Road and the existing footpath at this location has also been upgraded, improving access to the canal for walkers and residents of Erskine View.
Karen Moore, Development Director, The Waterways Trust Scotland , said: "This has been a wonderful project to be involved with. So many people from so many different walks of life have come together to help create some really beautiful artwork to animate the canal.
"123 volunteers have helped make this project a reality and their artwork, alongside the new signage and information panels, really add life and interest to the waterway.
"Over 60,000 towpath and canal users are already benefiting from the improvements As well as providing points of interest for existing towpath users, we are confident that, with the new signage and footpath, many more people from the surrounding area will find their way to the canal and enjoy what our waterways have to offer."
Richard Millar from British Waterways Scotland said: "We are really pleased with the improvements that have been made to the signage, seating and towpath along this part of the Forth & Clyde Canal . Following on from our successful collaboration with Sustrans, this work further enhances the area, making navigation easier, and overall contributing to a more enjoyable experience for all who visit or use the Forth &Clyde Canal."
Provost Denis Agnew from West Dunbartonshire Council said: "Completion of this work is a wonderful achievement, not only does it enhance the environment for everyone to enjoy in the Bowling area, it also highlights our connection to The Clyde and shines the spotlight on this important route into West Dunbartonshire . I am delighted to see all this work done."
In total:
Bowling Harbour Project Elements
8 trainees from the Coach House Trust were involved in the making of the picnic tables and benches and the litter bins.
6 wooden Picnic Tables and benches inlaid with Ceramic Panels designed by local school children and community groups including…..
3 Chainsaw carved benches including wildlife sculptures of an owl and squirrel.
3 chainsaw carved benches
10 litter bins made from recycled concrete and glass inlaid with ceramic tiles made by local school children and community groups
2m wooden swan sculpture
Animating the Canal Access, Signage and Seating Project was funded by the Environmental Justice fund, which Forward Scotland is administering during 2007-08 on behalf of the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage, West Dunbartonshire Council and the Cities Growth Fund.
- ENDS -
Press Enquiries
Justine Lee
Communications Manager
The Waterways Trust
Tel: 07917 804550
Email: justine.lee@thewaterwaystrust.org.uk
Notes for the Editor:
Photo opportunity - Opening up the canal celebration
Time : 12 noon
Date : Wednesday 25 June
Location : Bowling Harbour
Who : Lord Provost Denis Agnew, 40 pupils from Clydemuir School and Gavin Burn Primary School, representatives from The Waterways Trust Scotland, British Waterways Scotland and West Dunbartonshire Council
What: 'Unveiling' of artwork, picnic benches and sculpture at Bowling Harbour , pupils participating in art activities, waterside location.
The Waterways Trust Scotland is part of The Waterways Trust, a registered charity, and works to promote greater public enjoyment and awareness of the UK 's waterways by raising funds for waterway restoration, conservation, recreation and education.