Falkirk Flight Lock Gate Replacement & Refurbishment Programme 2025-2026

It is almost 25 years since the Millennium Link Project re-opened Scotland’s Lowland canal network. 

Lock gates are subject to immense pressure from thousands of cubic litres of water, weather and erosion, as well as the wear and tear of regular use. Oak gates, like those installed on the Falkirk Flight of the Forth & Clyde Canal, last an average of 25 years in the water. That’s why, with their 25th anniversary approaching, many of the gates on the canal are due for replacement.  

Scottish Canals is investing more than £3.5 million in a major programme of gate replacement and lock upgrade works along the Falkirk Flight of the Forth & Clyde Canal over the next 18 months. From January 2025 to March 2026, Scottish Canals, working with contractor Mackenzie Construction Limited, will replace a total of 10 lock gates along the canal. We’ll also take the opportunity, while navigation is suspended and water levels lowered, to carry out inspection and maintenance work at each of the locks.  

You can see the full scope of works in the maps below. Where investigations show that additional maintenance is needed, we may need to extend or change these times. You’ll be able to find updates on our social media channels. 

Lock 16 – Bypass Installation and Gate Replacement 

The first tranche of construction work began in January 2025 at Lock 16, where a lock bypass is being installed. It will provide an alternative route for water flows, allowing for better control over water levels and water quality in the canal. The bypass will also reduce the need for diesel-fuelled over-pumping, minimising the canal’s carbon footprint and future disruption. Once this work is completed in July, work will begin to replace the upstream and downstream gates. 

The base for the construction team is here in the Union Inn car park. The Inn is one of the many historic buildings that are part of the canal estate in Scotland. While we are conducting the construction works on the canal, we are also carrying out an assessment and repairs of the Union Inn building so that it is ready for future leasing and use.  

Information for boaters

Please note that navigation between locks 3 and 16 is now suspended until March 2026 to accommodate the full series of works.

The Carron Sea Lock (Lock 2) will remain operational during the major works planned. As normal, use of the sea lock will be restricted to tide times and river current. There may also be some additional unplanned restrictions relating to water supply. All requests for boat movements must be booked in advance with our teams. Please call 07810 794 467 or email lowland.canals@scottishcanals.co.uk to make arrangements. 

For boats approaching from the Falkirk Wheel: Lock 16 is now a construction site, managed by our contractor Mackenzie Construction, and containing heavy plant machinery and sensitive structural works. If you are planning on turning a vessel just before Lock 16, please slow your vessel down on your approach. There is a row of yellow buoys marking a clearance area around the engineering works – please ensure that your vessel does not breach this line and is going slowly enough not to create any wake. Your co-operation to ensure our contractor can continue to work, safely, is very much appreciated.

For specific customer boat movement enquiries please contact our teams direct.

Information for residents and visitors

Throughout these works, the site compound will be based at the Union Inn car park.

Update (22 April 2025): Temporary road closure

Please note that due to the installation of the lock bypass under the road bridge at Lock 16, traffic controls will be in effect from 28th April for 8 weeks with diversion signage posted. The road will also be closed to pedestrians and traffic with diversion routes signposted. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we carry out these essential safety works.

Update (19 March 2025): Fish rescue

Today, we started lowering the water levels between locks 16 and 15 as part of the bypass works. Forth Rivers Trust are leading the rescue of fish and relocating them to other parts of the canal. From 25th to 27th, fish will be rescued from locks 11 to 15 as we dewater the canal further down the Falkirk Flight too.

Contact us

If you would like more information, please contact enquiries@scottishcanals.co.uk or call us on 0141 332 6936.