Work to upgrade and refurbish Scotland’s canal systems has received funding to the tune of £4.6m from the Scottish government.

Transport Scotland says the investment will create about 80 jobs and precipitate a number of infrastructure projects which will impact on tourism, regeneration, sport and living on the water.

A grant-in-aid for Scottish Canals of £10m had already been announced for 2012-13.

The projects will include:

- Regeneration of Pinkston Basin on the Forth & Clyde canal

- Regeneration of Bowling Harbour

- Accessibility improvements to the Forth & Clyde canal in the Port Dundas, Speirs Wharf, Sighthill and Applecross areas.

- The 'Living on Water' initiative, involving the provision of residential moorings with facilities to encourage floating villages at Firhill and Grangemouth and other locations across the Lowlands Canals.

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- Provision of a new footbridge at Speirs Wharf in Port Dundas, Glasgow

- Provision of locations and facilities for overnight canoe rest-stops on the Great Glen Canoe Trail

- Implementation of camping strategy along the Caledonian Canal.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "Our canals are of historic significance, and are an asset we place great value on. Excellent progress has been made over the past decade in revitalising the network, and we are now keen to deliver a wider public benefit. A fine start has been made, but much more remains to be done and this funding will allow continued progress.

"Scottish Canals has shown ambitious vision and effective partnership working – whether with public sector, third sector or private sector - to realise the benefits from our canals. As well as driving forward the regeneration of both urban and rural canal-side communities, it is also active in the tourism market."

Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive, Scottish Canals, said: "This major investment by Scottish Government gives us an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on the local communities where we operate, attract significant tourism into Scotland, create jobs and stimulate business growth that will benefit the wider Scottish economy."

(IT)