Repairs will be carried out to bridges over the Forth and Clyde Canal – between Kirkintilloch and The Falkirk Wheel – following calls for action by East Dunbartonshire Council.
There is currently no through-route for barges and boats on the Forth and Clyde due to bridge issues at Twechar and Bonnybridge.
Transport Scotland has announced £1.625m in capital grant aid to enable Scottish Canals to fix the bridges and reopen the stretch to boats, and to carry out repairs at Ardrishaig Pier in Argyll and Bute.
Local councillors unanimously backed a recent motion calling for a meeting between East Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Canals and Transport Scotland to clarify the impact of canal closures locally.
Concerns were expressed that ongoing bridge issues meant the canal could not be used to its full potential by locals and visitors to the area.
Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, welcomed the recent funding announcement.
“This is great news and follows strenuous calls for action from elected members at East Dunbartonshire Council,” he said.
“Once again canal-users will soon be able to travel by boat between Kirkintilloch – Scotland’s canal capital – and The Falkirk Wheel.
“It’s essential that investment continues into resources such as the Forth and Clyde Canal to ensure they remain viable, accessible and attractive for all.”
Meanwhile, Kirkintilloch Canal Festival takes place between Monday 20 August and Sunday 26 August 2018 – culminating in Get Active Saturday and Gala Sunday.
The canal festival attracts thousands of people to East Dunbartonshire every August – providing a boost for local businesses and promoting the area’s attractions to locals and visitors alike.
An Economic Impact Assessment of the 2017 Festival – carried out by Caledonian Economics – found a total of £283,712 was spent locally, based on an estimated figure of 23,000 attendees.
Cllr Hendry said, “That shows the importance of the festival and the Forth and Clyde Canal – reaffirming the need for national investment to ensure it remains a useable resource.”
For more information on the Canal Festival, visit www.kirkintillochcanalfestival.org
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