Scottish Saltire and Lion Rampant flags hanging from boat rigging (copyright John Moore)

Benefit for all

We work to deliver the Scottish Government’s strategic objectives for public benefit - for everyone who lives, works or plays along the Scottish canals.

Decorated yachts at Neptune's Staircase lock flight with lots of spectators during The Crossing event. (John Moore)

Scottish history

The Scottish canals are Scheduled Historic Monuments, and an important part of our history.  We protect the waterways and conserve the natural and build heritage along the waterway corridors.

Narrowboats and cyclists along the Lowland Canals

Sustainable management for outdoor enjoyment

Scottish Canals attract C. 26 million vsiists every year! Everyone enjoying safe routes to work or school, fun family days outdoors, and scenic jogging and cycling paths.

Glasgow's Metal Petals

Transformation

We are transforming the Scottish canals through regeneration, working with partners in local businesses and communities to create vibrant waterway corridors.

The Helix is happening

Boosting the economy

The Scottish canals contribute to Scotland’s economy – boosting tourism figures by offering world-class boating opportunities and great days out, through regeneration encouraging growth of local businesses and partnerships, creating jobs, construction projects and new social housing, and through innovative water management.

canal scene with the words Our Future over the top

In April 2013, the Scottish Government unveiled its new policy for Scottish Canals.  We responded, and launched our bold new vision for the organisation over the next five to 10 years.

Find out more about our Vision and Values
Steve Dunlop, Scottish Canals Director

The Scottish Canals Management Team work with their departments and the Board to manage the day-to-day business.

Meet the Scottish Canals Management Team
Children onboard a canal boat

We work hand in hand with The Waterways Trust, our charity partner.

The Waterways Trust vision is to engage people and communities to discover the Scottish canals' hidden treasures, wildlife, culture, history and landscapes.  Together, we make a real difference to the canals and their communities.

Find out more about The Waterways Trust and our partnership
Member of the Scottish Canals team at work, wearing red life jacket by the canalside.

We are an exciting business, and our people help make the canals what they are.  In return you'll have the chance to learn new skills and develop your experience - whether you work for us or on a volunteer project.  Caring for the canals while transforming them into a vibrant part of canalside communities is a dynamic role, and offers opportunities across many sectors.

Why not check out our lastest vacancies?
colourful boats locking down neptune's staircase

Find out how we do business and how we look after our people and our visitors.

Find out more about our policies, including our customer complaints procedure.
Find out more about the Caledonian Canal Find out more about the Crinan Canal Find out more about the Union Canal Find out more about the Forth & Clyde Canal Find out more about the Monkland Canal