Boats moored at Edinburgh Quay

What we do?

We must maximise the benefit we can bring to the canals through regeneration, astute development, estate management and commercialising our water asset.

We are creating refreshed and new canalside communities, commercial investment opportunities and exploring a world market for water sales and water based renewables.

Living on the water just got interesting

Living on the water just got interesting

Scotland's canal have for many years been home to residential craft. We are currently developing opportunities for contemporary living in floating homes and creating more waterside communities.

Discover your next home
Yacht passing Mingulay house

Holiday in Historic Canal Properties

British Waterways Scotland has portfolio of former lock keepers  cottages, a lighthouse and substancial canal managers houses, located in some of Scotland's most spectacular locations. We are refurbishing these properties to make them available to let as holiday accomodation. The first of these properties will be available for the start of the summer season.

Plan your next holiday
Cascading locks

A Liquid Asset

We recognise the potential for water in a world market particularly in water sales and water based renewables. Core to our business is the ability to move vast qualtities of water across the country to the sea.

 

Tap into our potential
Aerial view of Applecross Street

Key Development Areas

British Waterways Scotland have key landholdings across the central belt including Glasgow, Falkirk and Edinburgh; in Argyll and across the Highland's from Ft. William to Inverness. We will be working with partners and investors to develop these assets.

Interested in a development opportunity?
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Destination Development

Creating destinations in 8 key locations across Scotland including major city centres and highland tourist locations.Opportunities include commerical residential, leisure and waterbased schemes ranging from small developments to major regeneration projects.

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exterior of a houseboat

Living on the Water

The canal environment is an exciting and cost effective place to live with opportunities for city living or setting up a rural idyl.  Traditionally people have lived on boats however we are currently developing plans for cutting edge floating homes.

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Promoting our Liquid Asset

The Scottish Government recognises the value of water as an international commodity and sustainable resource. British Waterways Scotland, in partnership with Scottish Water, are developing exciting new ways to capture energy, heating, cooling, manage flood risk and creating an international market for water sales.

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Our Estate

British Waterways Scotland owns 1,500 hectares of land and water which includes 137 linear miles of canal network, 17 reservoirs and 4 lochs.

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Neptune's Staircase, Caledonian Canal

Learn More

British Waterways Scotland is working with the Vivat Trust, a national charity and building preservation trust, to bring together a portfolio of historical canal buildings which will be promoted for short term holiday lets.

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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

By the water

 

Latest news

 
Playing our part in a Hydro Nation

Playing our part in a Hydro Nation

If we are to see water assets across Scotland managed strategically, comprehensively and holistically within a new Hydro Nation, then the Scottish canals could feature strongly. They could contribute significantly through flood risk management, surface water drainage and international water sales. Find out more...

Concept of a floating home

Public Consultation set to launch this Autumn

This autumn, British Waterways Scotland will be launching a consultation process on how to improve and increase the opportunities for those who want to live or operate a business on the Scottish Canals.  To find out more about living on the water...

 

 

 
Architect impression of Portdownie development

Portdownie

A masterplan has been developed for a major waterside regeneration development next to The Falkirk Wheel incorporating a vibrant mix of housing units, commercial space, hotel and marina.

Discover the expansive canal side site, see opportunities for potential developers, and the local community...