Millennium Link

For nearly two centuries the Forth & Clyde and Union canals formed an important commercial transport corridor across central Scotland , before falling victim to the 1960s road culture which blocked the waterways in more than 30 places.

Despite closure, small pockets of wildlife flourished along their old channels and wharves, and the canals continue to harbour a number of rare plant and animal species.

Dubbed the 'Peoples' Project', The Millennium Link was the biggest canal restoration ever and reunited the canals' historic link between Glasgow and Edinburgh after a break of 70 years. Commencing in 1999, the three-year construction process made the two centuries-old waterways navigable once more and created a catalyst for regeneration across 68 miles (110km) of Scotland .

As one of the major capital 'Landmark' projects in the UK , The Millennium Link received £33.8 million from the Millennium Commission. Recognition of its enormous leisure, educational, environmental and economic potential for Scotland is evident in the backing of a funding partnership between: seven local authorities; Scottish Enterprise Network; the European Regional Development Fund; and project manager, British Waterways.

•  The success to date of The Millennium Link canal restoration was highlighted in a report published by independent economic development consultants Roger Tym & Partners. The study showed that the canal restoration has acted as a catalyst for regeneration across Scotland's central belt, helping to deliver over £178 million of investment and over 4000 jobs in the past five years, The report also showed that over 1,052 new homes had been constructed and 92,980 square metres of commercial floorspace built since the ambitious canal project was started in 1999.

This work will be continued in the years ahead in an ongoing effort to create a world class leisure resource on Scotland 's network of inland waterways.