Ben: Our Forth & Clyde Canal Waterway Champion
Celebrating young waterway champions is one of the most rewarding parts of canal life and few embody this spirit more than sixteen year old Ben Thomas. Ben has taken it upon himself to become his local community’s dedicated paddle picker on the Forth and Clyde Canal. Whenever he can be out on the water whether that is in hail, rain or shine he launches his paddleboard and gets to work keeping one of Scotland’s vital waterways clean and cared for.
Ben has a genuine love for the canal and it shines through in everything he does. He removes litter before it can pollute the water and pays special attention to discarded fishing line which poses a real danger to wildlife. Fishing wire can easily entangle birds and other animals but thanks to Ben’s commitment many hazards are removed before they can cause harm. His work makes the canal safer and healthier for everyone who relies on it from the communities along its banks to the wildlife that calls it home.
Safety is always at the heart of Ben’s approach and he is proud to be #CanalCareful. He never heads out without the right buoyancy aid and equipment and he follows best practice every time he steps onto his paddleboard. His attitude sets a powerful example for other people who enjoy Scotland’s waterways and he openly encourages anyone who loves their local canal to get involved in looking after it.
Alongside his canal work Ben is currently studying at Glasgow Kelvin College where he is training to pursue his passion as an outdoor instructor. His dedication to the natural environment and his enthusiasm for helping others make him a wonderful ambassador for Scotland’s outdoors.
Scottish Canals would like to offer Ben a heartfelt thank you. His energy kindness and commitment are making a real difference to the Forth and Clyde Canal and to everyone who enjoys it. We applaud his efforts and we are proud to celebrate him as a true young champion of Scotland’s waterways.
If you ever spot Ben out on his paddleboard give him a wave. He is helping to keep the canal a cleaner safer and more welcoming place for all.