Scottish Canals is inviting the public to view the biggest open water rowing race to be held in Scotland from beautiful Bowling Harbour beach as part of a fun-filled festival on Saturday 23rd September.
The harbour’s brand new BHive Activity Hub is hosting a day of activities on and off the water of the Forth & Clyde Canal to accompany the 13 mile rowing boat race event from Dumbarton Castle to the Finnieston Crane. Visitors will witness more than 75 rowing boats pass the harbour as part of the first-ever Castle to Crane rowing race whilst enjoying a day of activities, workshops and events running from 10am until 6pm.
From canoeing and water zorbing to woodcraft and pony treks, there’ll be a range of activities for all ages. Additional activities will include:
- Watch historic films of the area with Concord Community Cinema
- Get creative with craft activities with the Bowling Harbour Project
- Explore the area with a trek from Patchwork Ponies
- Take care of the environment with a beach litter pick
- Discover the history and prosperity of the Dunkirk Little Ship, Skylark IX with Skylark Trust
- Find out more about the work of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Sustrans
- Take part in a range of fun activities with Scottish Waterways Trust
- Dance the day away to toe-tapping live music
“Bowling is fast becoming a bustling hub of activity on and off the water and the festival is a great way to way to showcase everything that’s happening at the gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal.
“Whether they’re picking up a paddle and taking to the water, exploring the many stories of Bowling’s past, or enjoying watching the Castle to Crane race from the beach, I’d encourage everyone to come along and get involved. All activities from the BHive Activity Hub are only a fiver per person and there will be many other free activities to dip in and out of. It’s a great chance to get outdoors, learn new skills and enjoy a fantastic day out – whatever the weather.”
More information on the festival can be found at www.bowlingharbour.co.uk; for further details on the Castle to Crane race, see www.clydebuiltfestival.com/castletocrane/
Over the past few years, Scottish Canals and its partners have been breathing new life into Bowling Harbour, developing a new tourism and leisure destination fitting of the western gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal. This regeneration programme has been created on the basis of a shared, collective vision for the area, which was formulated with the local community and partner stakeholders as part of an award-winning ‘charrette’ programme.
To date, Scottish Canals and its partners have collectively invested more than £3.2 million in the area, which has included the transformation of disused railway arches into commercial business space and public realm improvements to the lower basin area.
For more on plans for the area, see www.scottishcanals.co.uk/placemaking/bowling-harbour/