Scottish Canals extends major engineering programme on the Forth & Clyde Canal in Falkirk
Scottish Canals has announced an extension to its largest programme of canal engineering works in 25 years.
Since the start of last year, Scottish Canals has worked with contractor Mackenzie Construction to undertake a major gate replacement and bypass installation project along the Falkirk Flight of the Forth & Clyde Canal – from Lock 3 (Grangemouth) to Lock 16 (Camelon). Originally planned to conclude in August 2026, the programme of works is now being extended, taking the completion date to 23rd April 2027.
The current programme began in early 2025 after routine asset inspections identified the need for significant repairs to lock gates and for the installation of a lock bypass along the flight to improve water controls. Since February 2025, a four-kilometre stretch of the canal has been dewatered to allow engineers to carry out works that would otherwise be impossible.
The programme included replacing ten sets of lock gates, repairing and extending the operational life of upstream gates, installing a new bypass channel around Lock 16, repairing historic masonry and lock mechanisms, and undertaking extensive maintenance to the canal bed and embankments.
During the dewatering process, engineers were also able to inspect infrastructure that is normally submerged. Those inspections identified further deterioration to several lock gates and structures that now require urgent attention.
Rather than refill the canal only to dewater it again within the next few years, Scottish Canals has decided to extend the programme until the start of the 2027 boating season. Completing the additional works now will reduce long-term costs, minimise disruption and provide greater resilience for the canal network.
The extended programme, which brings the final amount of the programme investment to more than £8 million, will include:
- Replacement of downstream gates at Lock 4 (Abbots Road). Improving upstream lock gates.
- Replacement of the upstream gates at Lock 13.
- Additional repairs to historic masonry, gate mechanisms, embankments and lock infrastructure along the Falkirk Flight.
This engineering programme represents the most significant investment into Scotland’s canals since the Millennium Link project reopened the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals 25 years ago. Since then, the restored canal network has attracted billions of pounds of investment and supported landmark developments including The Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies and Stockingfield Bridge, while creating new opportunities for regeneration, biodiversity and climate resilience.
Upcoming Community Event
Scottish Canals is inviting local residents to learn more about the project at a community pop-in event on Saturday 15th August, from 12 noon until 5pm at Camelon Community Centre (Small Hall). Members of the Scottish Canals and Mackenzie Construction teams will be available throughout the afternoon to answer questions and provide updates on the remaining phases of the works. Refreshments will be available, and residents are welcome to drop in at any time.
Visit the project page to get the latest updates from the project
Read more about our regeneration projects in Camelon, Falkirk
Maryhill exhibition brings 240 years of canal engineering history to life
A new exhibition, entitled Every Picture Tells a Story, opened at Maryhill Burgh Halls on Thursday 13th August.