Construction News

Thu March 28 2024

Related Information

Critical repairs set to start on Scottish canals

15 Jan 19 Replacement of the lock gates at Kytra and Fort Augustus on the Caledonian Canal is starting this week following the recent award of additional funding.

Transport Scotland has provided funding for the project, including the extra allocation of £5.35m made available to Scottish Canals in November 2018.

“The additional funding is enabling Scottish Canals to undertake critical repairs which will allow boaters to continue to navigate the waterways for years to come,” said Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity. “While there may be some short-term disruption, the works are essential to the future of the Caledonian and Union canals. These repairs will be in addition to the scheduled maintenance that Scottish Canals will carry out in 2019 as part of its asset management programme – including critical embankment works at Linlithgow.

“Our canal network plays a vital role in tourism and economic regeneration. To secure the future of the network, we intend to increase Scottish Canals funding to record levels in the Scottish Budget for 2019/20 in recognition of the challenges faced in maintaining our historic waterways.”

Related Information

Catherine Topley, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: “This additional funding is fantastic news and will help us to safeguard the incredible heritage assets of Scotland’s canals for future generations to enjoy.

“These 200-year-old waterways play a vital role in local communities and Scotland as a whole, contributing to the marine economy; attracting tourists, visitor spend and investment; as well as stimulating job creation and business growth.

“While managing these historic assets is not without its challenges, we are committed to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and our partners to ensure they continue to deliver benefits for all the people of Scotland.”

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

MPU
MPU

Click here to view latest construction news »