What We Have Done

Major works have been carried out on Tomnahurich Swing Bridge to bring about significant Health and Safety improvements for both the staff who operate and maintain the bridge, as well as members of the public who use and rely on the bridge, whether by car, cycle, foot or boat.

In March 2015, the historic Caledonian Canal was closed to boats after floods caused by heavy rain and melting snow undermined a weir at Cullochy near Fort Augustus, washing over half the structure away and causing a major breach in the canal embankment.

The 200-year-old Thomas Telford-built Ness Weir on the Caledonian Canal has undergone a major refurbishment, extending the structure’s lifespan by a century.

The outcome of the Linlithgow Embankment Study in 2017 was a report which identified a list of priority embankment works. These priority works got underway in 2018/19.

Vital embankment works at Wilcoxholm on the Union Canal began in February 2020 and concluded in July 2020 - post Covid-19 restrictions being eased.

Phase 2 of the replacement of the Fort Augustus lock flight began in October 2019. The project was postponed in March 2020 due to Covid-19 and was completed in July 2020.

Investigative works to the embankments of the Almond Feeder, the main water supply to the Union Canal, began in 2018/19, and were completed in Autumn 2019.

Kytra Lock has been identified as priority for gate replacement due to condition, age and criticality.

Following an internal inspection, Leamington Lift Bridge was deemed to be a public safety and operational risk in 2018. Essential works to upgrade the bridge were complete in July 2019.

Scottish Canals are looking to invest in 3 lightweight fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) temporary modular pedestrian bridges.

Following the £1.625 million of additional funding from the Scottish Government, we are now able to carry out the works to both Bonnybridge and Twechar Bridges.

Essential works to replace the control mechanism and signage on Ardrishaig Swing Bridge have been recently undertaken.

Defects of the Brighton's Burn Aqueduct were addressed in 2019/2020.

Following the partial collapse of a section of the north side of Ardrishaig Pier in May 2017 causing the pier to be closed, works were undertaken to restore operations and ensure the future of the pier.

Following the partial collapse of a section of the north side of Ardrishaig Pier in May 2017 causing the pier to be closed, works were undertaken to restore operations and ensure the future of the pier.

After an inspection highlighted movement and defects on the timber structure, a replacement jetty at Gairlochy was designed to increase the life of the structure. Works were completed in May 2018.

Works to replace the lock gates at Lock 6, Bankside on the Forth & Clyde Canal East were completed in May 2019.

Works to ensure the integrity of the embankments of Laggan Bay Moorings Phase 1 have been completed.

In 2019, Scottish Canals invested in a new long reach excavator and modular pontoon to help carry out a comprehensive programme of dredging across the nation's waterways.

Works to improve Rowantree embankment at Bonnybridge were completed in March 2021.

Progress with the fabrication and installation of new lock gates for Lock 17 on the Caledonian Canal were completed in April 2021.

An improvement project focused on reducing the risk of safety to staff and visitors on the bridge was undertaken and completed in April 2021.

Works to improve the Port Buchan canalside were completed in April 2021.

As part of the asset management strategy surveys and inspections of the lock gates will be carried out during the 2021/2022 winter works programme.

Works to to arrest leakage and improve embankment safety at Rowantree Embankment will get underway in 2021.