A pioneering project involving generations of people from East Dunbartonshire has been making waves ... and is the focus of a new aquatic exhibition at Kirkintilloch Town Hall.
The CanalCraft initiative - powered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund - has been exploring the history of the Forth and Clyde Canal, and its links to the communities through which it flows.
It has also inspired the return of boat building to Kirkintilloch after almost six decades!
A co-curated exhibition is currently being hosted by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust upstairs at the industrial heritage centre in Kirkintilloch Town Hall - showcasing the work that has taken place, groups involved and the maritime magic they have woven - until 28 November 2019.
A free celebratory event - involving films, live music, awards, refreshments and more - will be held at the town hall on Saturday 26 October from 11am-3pm. All welcome.
CanalCraft is led by the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, in collaboration with community organisations and the University of the West of Scotland - has provided opportunities for people of all ages to participate in activities such as boat building, handling and maintenance, and video journalism.
Local groups involved include Group Recovery Aftercare Community Enterprise (GRACE), LGBT Youth Scotland - East Dunbartonshire and the Seagull Trust.
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, recently launched a new vessel created as part of CanalCraft.
Local participants named it the WAWHFL (aka What Are We Having For Lunch?), which enjoyed its maiden voyage on the Forth and Clyde at Southbank Marina, Kirkintilloch.
The last boat-building activity in Kirkintilloch is believed to have taken place at Hay's repair yard, the location of the current boathouse of the Seagull Trust, in 1961 - where the WAWHFL was launched.
Councillor Polson said, "I was honoured to help make history by officially launching the first boat built in Kirkintilloch for nearly six decades - as part of the CanalCraft project, an inspirational initiative involving people of all ages from East Dunbartonshire and beyond.
"The Forth and Clyde Canal is a wonderful resource and I'm delighted it is continuing to inspire interest in local heritage and our proud history. Well done to everyone involved for their sterling efforts."
Sandy Marshall, Chair of EDLC Trust, added, "The co-curated space at Kirkintilloch Town Hall offers a great stage for fascinating exhibitions such as this - showcasing terrific community work and drawing on memories from the local area.
"Saturday 26 October will be a real celebration of the work that has taken place. I hope people take the chance to go along to the event and the exhibition itself."
CanalCraft participants have also been exploring the history of the boats which used - and still use - the waterway, as well as capturing community stories, understanding and knowledge of the canal.
Robert Welsh, former chairman of the Forth and Clyde Canal Society, said, "This has been an exciting project - commemorating the history of the canal, and the society, and encouraging people to enjoy the waterway.
"This project has allowed us to record our history digitally - including oral reports from older members. These stories were being lost, but now future generations will be able to find out how we started and all the work that has been done.
"Boat building was a major part of the canal in its early days and we were happy to bring it back to Kirkintilloch, as it was done many years ago. It may be slightly smaller - but it's the same idea."
Elena Koumpouzi, co-ordinator of CanalCraft, said, "The WAWHFL was one of three boats created as part of the project, which also included activity in Maryhill.
"It was wonderful to see the WAWHFL evolve and I'm proud of everyone's efforts. There are lots of exciting plans for the future, including canal litter-picks using the new boat.
"It has been a valuable, inter-generational partnership and I hope as many people as possible can go along to see the free exhibition at the town hall before 28 November, which includes the WAWHFL itself."
As part of the project, local musicians from Campsie Scottish Folk Players were commissioned to create music for an old poem (sourced from East Dunbartonshire Archives & Local Studies) called 'The Queen'.
Part of the poem is included in the Forth and Clyde Canal display within the industrial heritage centre at the town hall.
The new song will be performed at the celebratory event on Saturday 26 October by the musicians and will also be used to 
soundtrack a CanalCraft boat-building film.
Kirkintilloch Town Hall - including the exhibition - is open to the public Monday to Thursday, 10am-4pm and various Saturdays (call 0141 777 3143 to check). Admission is free.
For more information on CanalCraft, visit www.forthandclyde.org.uk/canalcraft.asp or e-mail canalcraft@forthandclyde.org.uk
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