Major Milestone as Scotland's Canal and Traditional Skills Centre Enters Construction

Construction work has begun on the site of what will become Scotland’s first centre of excellence for canals and traditional skills.

The full business case for Scottish Canals’ project, Lock 16: Scotland's Centre of Excellence for Canals and Traditional Skills project, located at the former AG Barr Irn Bru factory in Camelon, Falkirk, has now been endorsed by the UK and Scottish Government and approved by Falkirk Council Executive Committee.

The centre of excellence project has become the second project within the £100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal (FGGD) to gain approval.

The Deal is part of a package which will support the area’s transition to net zero and future skills requirements.

The Full Business Case requests capital funding of £4m from the Scottish Government to support the development of the centre of excellence, which will be based on the Forth & Clyde Canal.

The project, spearheaded by Scottish Canals, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), will provide the largest single space in Scotland, dedicated to the development and delivery of high-quality traditional and heritage skills training.

The canal custodians will focus on developing pathways into heritage skills training, volunteering, and employment within the historic environment sector.

The centre will look to address some of the growing challenges of sustaining Scotland’s historic environment by supporting the development of specialist skills critical for its future.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, supported by £50 million of Scottish Government investment, is about delivering long-term benefits to the local communities and businesses.

“The Lock 16 project will breathe new life into the Forth and Clyde Canal network with work and training facilities fit for the 21st century. It is also, critically, an investment in Scotland’s proud industrial heritage, ensuring we support and retain the traditional and specialist skills that are vital to safeguarding the country’s iconic buildings, landmarks and legacies.”

Richard Millar, Scottish Canals’ Chief Operating Officer said: “This is an exciting new project for Scottish Canal and a significant milestone for Lock 16: Scotland’s Centre for Excellence and Traditional Skills. The project has only been made possible through support of our funding partners and we look forward to working with local communities as construction gets underway to ensure the centre delivers lasting benefits. The centre will play a vital role in protecting heritage skills, supporting training and apprenticeships and investing in the future of our canal network.

“From concept to commitment this marks the beginning of a new chapter for the former AG Barr Factory and for the industries and people of Falkirk and Grangemouth.”

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at Historic Environment Scotland said: “We are pleased that the project has seen another key step in its journey to becoming Scotland’s new centre of excellence for canals and traditional Skills. The centre will provide a key opportunity to further champion and place a spotlight on skills and crucially open up new pathways for sharing expertise and innovation across sectors.”

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said: "Projects like this show how investment can translate into real, everyday benefits - from bringing a long-standing vacant site back into productive use to supporting jobs and skills locally. It’s a practical example of how the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal is helping to regenerate places and strengthen the local economy over the long term. It's great that work has started on site, as people can now begin to see that investment taking shape."

Lock 16 - Scotland's Centre of Excellence for Canals & Traditional Skills is funded by the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), Scottish Canals and Historic Environment Scotland.

The multi-million-pound Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal has been signed by UK and Scottish Governments as well as Falkirk Council, as part of a package that will strengthen the local economy and create more than a thousand jobs over the next 10 years.

It is understood that up to 1660 jobs and £628m worth of economic benefits are expected to flow into the area as a result of the delivery of the initiative.

Construction work at Lock 16 will be carried out by main contractor Robertson Construction Central East, following on from its previous works at the site on the roof and walls, and is expected to last until the February 2027.

Works include a new main entrance as well as training classrooms and offices which will be housed in a specialised standalone structure within the existing building. The main space will also be subdivided to provide workshop areas. Externally, the project includes the demolition of outbuildings, landscaping, and a new car park with EV charging infrastructure.

David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “As the partner of choice for Lock 16, we are proud to be delivering a project that will encourage and train people in heritage skills that can be used within the built environment.

“The construction sector has advanced greatly but it is essential that these skills are still taught in order that Scotland’s important historic sites can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come, and new buildings have the potential to benefit from heritage crafts.”

Scottish Canals has led on significant regeneration along the Forth & Clyde Canal, and the Union Canal which is linked to it by world’s only rotating boat lift, The Falkirk Wheel.

Since the opening of The Falkirk Wheel and the nearby Kelpies and Helix Park heritage led regeneration along the canals has delivered significant investment, employment and outdoor recreation opportunities.