How to host an event
Scotland's waterways are are fantastic location for all kinds of events.Â
Holding an event on Scotland's canals is easy – simply submit your event and risk assessment and wait for our confirmation. If we have any issues or questions about your plans, we'll get in touch. If not, you're good-to-go!
Create an event plan
To help ensure your event occurs as safely and smoothly as possible, it may be helpful to create an Event Plan. These should take into account everything from the who, what, when and why.
Risk assessments and insurance
When organising an event, conducting thorough risk assessments and obtaining appropriate insurance coverage is crucial.Â
Get permission
Once you have made your plan, thought about safety, and completed a risk assessment, submit your event for promotion and approval.
Make sure your event is a success – have you also considered…
If you need a licence
A Public Entertainment Licence may be required if your event is open to the public and involves music, dancing, singing or other entertainment. An Alcohol Sales Licence may also be required if your event includes alcohol. If licences such as these are required, you must obtain written approval from the relevant local authority department. It is your responsibility to check which licences you require and to ensure you have them in place.Â
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Notifying the Emergency Services
Do you need to notify the Emergency Services of your event? If so, make reference to the relevant emergency services and their contact details in your risk assessment.
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Visiting your venue
Have you visited the site of your event? Walking the route may highlight issues or other considerations you may not have thought about, such as the need to open towpath gates or manage choke points or road crossings.
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Arranging marshals
Do you need marshals or stewards to manage crowds or guide participants at your event? If you’re expecting to attract a large audience or number of competitors, or your route crosses roads, the use of marshals can ensure your event occurs safely. Properly briefed, they can also help with your emergency procedures. If you do enlist the aid of marshals, make sure they’re easily identifiable – high-visibility vests or armbands will help. Marshals under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult.
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Making a donation
Scotland’s canals are more popular than ever, and hosting events puts a strain on both the built heritage of the 200-year-old structures and Scottish Canals’ limited resources. Your support will help protect the incredible environments of Scotland’s canals, safeguard them for future generations to enjoy and ensure they continue to provide great venues for all kinds of community and charity events.
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Promoting your event
We can help you promote your event on our website, letting the thousands of people that visit us and follow us on social media know what’s happening on a canal near them – and, best of all, it’s completely free.
If your event is near a canal but not on Scottish Canals’ land or water then you don’t need to apply to us to hold an event. Instead, give us the event details and we’ll promote it for free!