Scottish Development Group

In 2002 the Scottish Executive published 'Scotland's Canals; An Asset For the Future'. This policy document recognised the significant improvements and investments which had taken place on the Canal network in Scotland in recent years. BWS, working with the Scottish Executive, are determined to ensure that the momentum which has built up in developing our canal corridors is maintained. To this end a new pan-Scotland partnership - the Scottish Canals Development Group has been established. The group includes high level representation from a wide range of public sector organisations, including Local Authorities, British Waterways, Scottish Enterprise, VisitScotland, Sportscotland, Scottish National Heritage, Historic Scotland, SEPA and IWAC.

The Scottish Canals Development Group meets twice a year and is chaired by the Scottish Executive. The aim of the group is to work together to ensure the sustainable development of Scotland 's Canals and to maximise their health and leisure, tourism and business use in a manner which retains their Scottish heritage for the benefit of national and local economies and communities.

The Highland and the Lowland Canal Steering Groups are project development groups and include membership from all the organisations represented on the Scottish Canals Development Group. The Highland Canal Steering Group is chaired by the Chief Executive of Lochaber Enterprise. The Lowland Canal Steering Group is chaired by the Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley. These groups meet quarterly to identify and transform shared plans into real projects delivered on the ground. Progress is reported regularly to the Scottish Canals Development Group.