New Boat Hire Office at The Falkirk Wheel

Scottish Canals is creating  a canal-side reception space for our holiday boat hire customers at The Falkirk Wheel. This exciting development will make it easier for visitors to enjoy Scotland’s waterways and help us deliver an even better experience for our boating customers. 

By moving the existing boat hire service from the visitor centre to a purpose-built space beside the canal and moorings, we will provide greater convenience for customers and improve operational efficiency for our team.

The new single-storey modular building will measure 59 square metres and offer a bright, welcoming reception area, office space for staff, and secure storage for hire equipment. 

The building will feature robust steel construction with aluminium windows and doors, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and complementing existing operational buildings. Positioned to overlook the canal and moored boats, it will create a pleasant and practical environment for visitors and staff alike.

We are also enhancing the outdoor space to make it more inviting and environmentally friendly. Landscaping improvements will include species-rich grassland, bulb planting, and new seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the view. Existing storage containers will be repositioned to fit the new layout, ensuring the site remains tidy and accessible.

Sustainability is at the heart of this project. The design follows fabric-first principles to minimise heat loss and supports Scottish Canals’ Net Zero targets, helping us build resilience for future climate conditions. This development aligns with National Planning Framework 4 and the Falkirk Local Development Plan, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable tourism and leisure.

Groundworks for the new facility will begin in March 2026, and the modular container office will be installed on site in May 2026.

For any enquires, please email: placemaking@scottishcanals.co.uk