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Local Outcome 5: Adventure is out there! New centre is really making waves

A new port of call for adventure, activities and learning opportunities is making waves in East Dunbartonshire.

Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a community-run base for kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling and more.

It is also a hub for training and volunteer opportunities – helping to promote regeneration and address disadvantage in the area.

The new facility was officially opened in October 2025 and forms part of a programme of long-term regeneration in Twechar.

Twechar Outdoor Pursuits

East Dunbartonshire Council secured significant external support for the facility – including funding from the Scottish Government, sportscotland and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

It is being operated by local group Twechar Community Action, which has been central to the transformation of the area over two decades.

The centre, which is on a previously-derelict site next to the Forth and Clyde Canal near Twechar Bridge, includes:

  • Storage for kayaks, paddleboards and wetsuits – with direct access outside
  • Bike workshop room and storage
  • Large meeting/seminar room which can be used as two separate spaces
  • Reception
  • Accessible toilets, showers, lockers and changing areas
  • Food/tea prep area
  • Outdoor seating
  • Car and cycle parking
  • Solar panels on the roof – saving money and reducing carbon emissions
  • Landscaping and access road.

It caters for people of all ages and abilities, including those with additional support needs.

Council Chief Executive Ann Davie said, “The centre was an aspiration locally for a number of years so it’s wonderful to see the dream become a reality.

“It has proved popular with a range of local groups – encouraging people of all ages and abilities to enjoy outdoor pursuits, have fun, and improve their health and wellbeing.

“It has also inspired a range of local residents to volunteer – leading to training and employment opportunities. It’s a great example of how partnership working – involving the Council, community groups and local enterprises – can deliver excellent results.”

The facility – at 15 Canal Row, Main Street, Twechar – is owned by the Council and operated by Twechar Community Action. 
Katrina Cameron, Director of Twechar Community Action Board, said, 

We’re so pleased that the local community is at the heart of this facility, which offers a variety of outdoor activities and opportunities. We couldn’t do it without the support of our partners and, of course, our dedicated volunteers.
Katrina Cameron, Director of Twechar Community Action Board

For information – including how to book – visit the Twechar Outdoor Pursuits website, email info@twecharoutdoors.org.uk or find them on Facebook/Instagram.

The site was previously home to a Masonic hall and is at the northern entrance to Twechar. The project cost just over £5.6 million – more than half of which was externally funded.

That included support from the Scottish Government's Place Based Investment Programme, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, and Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, as well as sportscotland and the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said, “Everyone involved in the project has demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that more people in the area will have an opportunity to become physically active and connected to their local community."