About Us
British Waterways Scotland manages the 137-miles (220km) canal network which includes the Caledonian, Crinan, Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland canals.
Responsibility for inland waterways in Scotland is a devolved matter. British Waterways Scotland receives grant funding from the Scottish Government to ensure that navigation channels remain open and in a safe and well-maintained condition. We balance the conservation of Scotland 's heritage and environment with developing leisure, tourism and business opportunities to generate income to reinvest in the waterways for further sustainable regeneration.
In the last few years Scotland 's inland waterways have undergone a physical transformation and taken on a new lease of life. Increasingly, we work in partnerships with local authorities, voluntary groups, private companies and other government agencies to develop a thriving leisure resource, for the people of and visitors to Scotland , to bring benefit to the communities through which they run.
The enormous potential for the waterways as an asset that can enhance the future quality of life in Scotland was recognised by the Scottish Government in its policy document, Scotland 's Canals an asset for the future.
Today our canals offer far more than the provision of water spaces for boating. Scotland 's canals are responding to wider agendas in leisure and tourism; health and community development; regeneration and economic opportunity; environment and sustainability.
