As the final winter works are being carried out, the Scottish Canals unveiled yesterday a new pilot scheme to increase the amount of staff time and resources devoted to dredging in the Lowland Canals.
In recent years the Scottish Canals seen an average of 80 boats transit the Forth & Clyde, and whilst interest in the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel have ensured the east side of the canal remains popular with boaters throughout the week, transits on the Maryhill to Bowling stretch of the canal mostly take place over the weekend (Friday to Monday).
With this in mind, from Friday 23rd March Scottish Canals will be piloting a four day, Friday to Monday, operation from Maryhill to Bowling (Locks 21-38). The sea locks will continue to operate seven days.
The savings made from mid-week opening will be re-invested in dredging key sites along the Lowland Canals and the Scottish Canals will be prioritizing high spots that have been identified by the boating customers.