Inspections and repairs of the Kelvin Aqueduct, Maryhill, Forth & Clyde Canal
In late October 2025, our Engineering Team began monitoring leakage from the aqueduct which was affecting the footpath under one of the arches. In mid-February, our contractor Mackenzie Construction Ltd began dewatering the canal from the aqueduct to Lock 24.
The Kelvin Aqueduct is an outstanding piece of canal engineering. At the time of its construction, more than 230 years ago, it was Britain’s largest aqueduct and a prototype for many later structures built on Scotland’s canal network.
To this day, it continues to carry the Forth & Clyde Canal across the deep valley of the River Kelvin, allowing boats to pass over the river on their way between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde.
Like all historic infrastructure, the aqueduct requires ongoing maintenance to manage the effects of natural weathering, water leakage, and the self-seeding of vegetation within its masonry.
Contractor Mackenzie Construction set up on site this spring to begin the investigations and repairs to the aqueduct. They began dewatering the canal either side of the aqueduct and the aqueduct trough itself, allowing environmental consultancy APEM to rescue any remaining fish and relocate them.
The plan is to develop a solution to the leakage to be implemented next year. In the meantime, as a temporary measure we will remove waterlily roots, grout masonry and introduce clay lining to the trough before allowing the water levels to come back up. It may be once the leakage paths are established that we decide that the clay liner is the best solution, or alternatively, that we implement a more substantial fix prior to reopening the canal.
Having revised our method for maintaining the feed of water to the canal to Bowling we have also removed the need for most of the towpath diversions. This means the active travel route that is popular for commuting and leisure can remain accessible.
Extension of the project timeline – target re-opening date of September
We have faced some significant delays in fully dewatering and a high volume of silt in the base of the trough. To help with water control, we have installed gauge boards at Lock 25 so that we have early warning of fluctuations in water levels. We are also removing the silt from the canal for deposit upstream.
We had originally planned to have the temporary fix and investigations completed by mid-May, but we are now looking at September as the most feasible completion date. Once we know more about the condition of the aqueduct’s trough, water control issues and repair plan, we will provide a firm re-opening date here.
Please note: the project extension does not affect our planned celebrations of the Millennium Link project this year.
Information for boaters
Navigation is suspended between Bowling Harbour and Lock 21 until the project is completed (target date – September 2026).
Bowling Sea Lock remains operational but there may be some restrictions. Please contact our Lowland Canals Team ahead of boat movements,
Other current restrictions on the Forth & Clyde Canal include the Falkirk Flight from Lock 3 to Lock 16.
FAQs
Why is navigation on the canal suspended all the way from Bowling?
We have had to suspend boat movements from Bowling for the duration of the works as the dewatering of the stretch around the Kelvin Aqueduct means that we will not be able to guarantee sufficient water for boat movements along the length of the canal.
How long will pumping go on overnight?
Pumps have been installed on the canal to remove excess water from the dewatered section and the aqueduct trough. To reduce noise for local residents, we have installed sound barriers around the pump units.
Contacts
If you have any questions related to a mooring, please contact moorings@scottishcanals.co.uk
For any other boating enquiries, please contact lowland.canals@scottishcanals.co.uk, 07810 794 467
Latest updates
19th May
Announcement of a target re-opening date of September 2026 as detailed above.
26th March
While we dewater the canal and stabilise water levels, we are running pumps overnight. We are revising our temporary dam design and options for moving water downstream, and we are looking for opportunities to switch to a gravity feed later in the programme to reduce the need for pumps. Thank you for your patience with the works and the overnight pumping while we resolve this issue.
20th March
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) made an initial visit to record and catalogue the assets exposed during dewatering. Further visits are planned by HES and our own Engineers, Consultants and Contactors are all keeping records of progress, structures and conditions
26th February
The fish relocation, conducted by APEM, is now completed . Fish have been moved from here to other sections of the canal ahead of the full dewatering and engineering works.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at enquiries@scottishcanals.co.uk or on 0141 332 6936 (Monday to Thursday 8.30am-5pm, Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm).
Header photo credits: © Copyright Michael Dibb
