Forth & Clyde Canal – restrictions lifted
Updates
Update: October 18, 12.15
The last restrictions on the Forth & Clyde Canal, from lock 16 to lock 3 will be removed by close of play on Thursday 20 October. Full navigation will be restored on the morning of Friday 21 October, including sea to sea navigation.
Update: September 30, 14.20
With increased water levels, limited boat movement between Locks 21 and 38 is now possible, for any planned navigation please contact the Boat Movements Team in advance on 07810 794 467.
Restrictions will remain in place between Lock 3 & 16 whilst essential maintenance is undertaken on Lock 9.
Thank you for your understanding.
Update: September 21, 11.20
Our operations team is continuing to monitor water levels closely, we are seeing reservoir levels beginning to slowly recover from their critically low positions. Unfortunately, since the last update levels have not risen enough to remove restrictions.
As a reminder there are no boat movements between Locks 3 & 16 in Falkirk and Locks 21 to 38 in Bowling.
Further updates will be available next week.
Thank you for your continued understanding.
Update: September 12, 16.30
Our operations team is continuing to monitor water levels closely, we are seeing reservoir levels beginning to recover from their critically low positions. There has been another significant period of wet weather at the weekend however, the levels have not risen enough to remove restrictions.
As a reminder there are no boat movements between Locks 3 & 16 in Falkirk and Locks 21 to 38 in Bowling.
Further updates will be available next week.
Thank you for your continued understanding.
Update: September 5, 14.00
Our operations team is continuing to monitor water levels, in order to utilise remaining resource levels effectively. Whilst there has been a period of wet weather at the weekend, the levels have not risen enough to remove restrictions.
Restrictions will continue to apply between Lock 3 to Lock 16 in Falkirk and Lock 21 to 38 in Bowling.
The Union Canal remains unaffected, and The Falkirk Wheel will continue to operate as normal. A further update will be issued in one week’s time (Monday 12 September).
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has been informed of the present water resourcing issues.
If you have any concerns or comments please email enquiries@scottishcanals.co.uk between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can.
We would like to thank you for your continued understanding.
Update: September 1, 16.00
As of 4pm on Thursday 1 September we are temporarily suspending all boat movements on the Forth & Clyde Canal between Lock 16 and Grangemouth in the East and Lock 21 and Bowling in the West.
These unplanned, emergency restrictions, are a result of an extended period of dry weather and a major sand bank at Hillend Reservoir impeding access to water reserves. Hillhead Reservoir is an essential part of managing water levels the Forth & Clyde Canal. In order to maintain water in the canal, for as long as possible, protecting the asset, wildlife and property, we have taken the decision to suspend boat movements on the east and west flights immediately.
The Union Canal is unaffected, and The Falkirk Wheel will continue to operate as normal for now.
Our team are closely monitoring the situation, including the future rain forecast, and will provide a further update on Monday 5 September.
We would like to thank you for your understanding at this time.