New opportunities for Young Scots on Scotland’s canal network

At the 20th anniversary celebrations of The Falkirk Wheel, Scottish Canals and Young Scot signed a new partnership to reward Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) holders for visiting the nations inland waterways.

Scottish Canals’ CEO, Catherine Topley, and Young Scot’s CEO, Kirsten Urquhart, have signed a new partnership between the organisations that will give Young Scot NEC holders not only exclusive discounts but also rewards and money-can’t-buy experiences.

This summer, the partnership will see the two organisations come together to engage young people across the nations publicly owned heritage assets on the canal network.

“This year Scottish Canals celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Union and Caledonian canals. Whilst we remember the last two hundred years of the waterway flowing through the nation, this agreement is about the future of Scotland’s canals and the next generation of those who will live work and play along the waterways.
Our partnership with Young Scot will strengthen Scottish Canals’ links with under 25s across the country, engaging them on future projects and our vision for the future ensuring the waterways are accessible, exciting and enjoyable.” - Catherine Topley, Chief Executive at Scottish Canals

The agreement was signed by both CEOs during the Revolution Festival at The Falkirk Wheel, a fun filled family day of activities celebrating the 20th anniversary of the world’s first – and only – rotating boat lift. The event not only marked the return of the hugely popular Revolution Festival, but also the reopening of the Forth & Clyde and Union canals in 2002. The festival garnered support from Forth Valley and further afield as families flocked to the event to take part in activities both on and off the water.

During the event, Young Scot also hosted an engagement stand. The organisation was sharing information about the available opportunities, discounts and Rewards via the Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) as well as how young people can access a Young Scot NEC. As part of the Young Person’s Free Bus Travel Scheme, young people can use their Young Scot NEC to travel to the canals and other sites across Scotland. Further information about how to apply for the scheme can be found on freebus.scot.

Kirsten Urquhart, CEO of Young Scot, said: “Young Scot are delighted to be partnering with Scottish Canals to ensure that young people play an important role in making our Scottish waterways feel like a place for them, a place they can connect and have fun! We are also delighted that through our partnership we will be opening up new experiences for young people via the Young Scot NEC with discounts, rewards and opportunities.”

The partnership between the two organisations will continue this summer with the recruitment of young people to Scottish Canals’ Youth Panel, a group of young people from across the country who will explore the future of the canal network on topics such as regeneration and active travel. For upcoming information about the Youth Panel keep an eye on young.scot/get-involved.

Notes to Editors

About Scottish Canals

• Scottish Canals is responsible to the Scottish Government for the management and development of five of Scotland’s canals as well as the surrounding estate and The Falkirk Wheel.
• Built two hundred years ago to fire the Industrial Revolution, today the canals contribute to the Scottish Government agenda of developing a Greener; Healthier; Smarter; Safer and Stronger; and Wealthier and Fairer Scotland by acting as a catalyst for sustainable economic development, regeneration and tourism; contributing to education, biodiversity, heritage and promoting active living and healthier lifestyles
• Today Scottish Canals is utilising these 18th century assets along with innovative technology to tackle modern problems. Through working with partners to create pioneering systems, Scottish Canals is helping to combat flooding and driving positive transformation in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas
• The Forth & Clyde, Union, Monkland, Caledonian and Crinan canals are recognised as Scheduled Monuments and attract 20 million visits per year. See www.scottishcanals.co.uk for more information

About Young Scot

Young Scot is the national youth information and citizenship charity for young people in Scotland – supporting young people to thrive and make the most of their lives as they grow up. They do this by providing universal services for young people, combined with targeted and bespoke support to address stigma, inequalities and inaccessibility.

Supporting young people to thrive is a powerful way to provide reassurance in times of challenge, help build confidence and resilience, and to have fun.

Find out more at youngscot.net