News

Heritage News

Scottish Canals, our partners and volunteers are working hard to promote, celebrate and conserve the diverse heritage of Scotland's canals. Find out what's been going on.

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Clachnaharry

Caledonian Canal History

Linking the lochs of the Great Glen, the Caledonian Canal provided a safe route for naval and merchant ships to avoid the treacherous Pentland Firth and Cape Wrath. Statesman engineer, Thomas Telford oversaw the mammoth undertaking from 1804. Eventually completed in 1822, the Caledonian was rightly regarded then, as now, as a triumph of British civil engineering.

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Crinan

Crinan Canal History

Only 9 miles in length, work began in 1794 on the Crinan Canal and, although it opened in 1801, it was only completed in 1809. It was built to avoid the arduous route around the Mull of Kintyre to and from the Western Isles. The Crinan is set in one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Scotland.

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Union

Union Canal History

The carriage of coal was the main impetus for building the Union Canal. After a long delay, it was eventually given the go ahead by Parliament in 1817. Construction started in 1818 and it opened only 4 years later in 1822. One of the last canals of the Industrial Age in Britain, it represents the pinnacle of the canal-builder's art.

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Forth & Clyde

Forth & Clyde Canal History

Work began on the Forth & Clyde in 1768, only 11 years after the first British canal of the Industrial Age, the Sankey in Cheshire, opened. Built as a private enterprise, the 35-mile long canal was fully navigable in 1790. It was hailed as a modern marvel in its day.

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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
Our Vision

Our Vision

On Wednesday 24th April 2013, the Scottish Government unveiled its new policy for Scottish Canals and we launched our bold new vision for the organisation over the next five to 10 years.

We’re the custodians of Scotland’s canals – a vital part of our nation’s rich heritage, contributing to Scottish life for 250 years. Today, we are putting these resources to work in ways our forebears couldn’t have imagined – helping secure a brighter future for the people of Scotland.

 
old-new Applecross

Heritage Strategy 2013-38

"As custodians of Scotland’s canals, our rich 250-year old heritage is vitally important, not just to those who live next to or use the inland waterways, but to Scotland as a whole.

"If we are to safeguard the canals for future generations, we need to preserve this rich heritage in an effective, visionary and engaging way. Our bold new strategy, which sets out our approach for the next 25 years, does exactly that."

Steve Dunlop, CEO, Scottish Canals