Welcome to the World of Scotland's Inland Waterways

If you were brought up in the lowlands of Scotland during the 60s and 70s, the thought of taking a stroll in and around the local canal would have likely been as appealing as a trip to the dentist. The development of the railways and road network meant that the canals, once a corner stone of industry across Scotland’s central belt, spiralled into a state of ruin.

Not so now! A combination of hard work by local volunteer groups over a number of years and the small matter of multi-million pounds worth of investment, have seen a re-birth of the countries inland waterways.

Looking back to those dark days for the canal, you may never have imagined the possibility of using the towpath to walk your dog, go for a jog or even walk to work; but then again nor would you have been expecting to be reading a blog on the internet about the canals - it is time to start challenging those perceptions that have been built up over the last 30 years!

Across Scotland last year, a staggering 24 million people visited one of the four canals: Caledonian and Crinan in the Highlands, Forth & Clyde and Union in the Lowlands. So whether you are an existing, new, potential or lapsed visitor, this is the place to find out regularly what is happening on your inland waterways.

As with all blogs, the purpose of this is to stimulate some discussion around various topics relating to the canal network so if you have stopped by to have a read, leave a comment, idea or memory! Don’t be shy – 24 million would suggest that you are not in the minority in having an interest.

Over the coming weeks, months and years we will posting information on cycling routes, walking routes, exercise routines, wining and dining, boating, wildlife, heritage, education, art, developments, regeneration and much more! These are just some of the areas that canals are at the heart of in Scotland, so keep checking back and you won’t miss a thing! We would also welcome your comments, suggestions, thoughts and ideas so get posting!

To learn more about your local canal visit http://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/