A public consultation on the best way to run operations on the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals has been launched by Scottish Canals.

Scottish Canals is the custodian of Scotland's 250-year-old public canal network, working to conserve the canals and their surrounding areas as part of Scotland's national heritage. This consultation gives people the chance to share their views with Scottish Canals on a range of issues, from expanding boaters' ability to pass through the canal independently and addressing weed control issues to canal dredging and the development of an online booking system.

Responses will be published along with the final proposal in January 2020, with the outcomes of the consultation introduced from 1st April 2020.

Addressing the consultation, Catherine Topley, Chief Executive at Scottish Canals, said: "I would encourage anyone with an interest in the future of these precious community assets to have their say. The canals are here for everyone in Scotland to enjoy and we want your help to ensure we direct our efforts and resources to the right places'.

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"Over the past 20 years the renaissance of Scotland's canals, particularly in the Lowlands, has delivered significant economic value with more than £1.5 billion of investment nationally. This success was achieved by working in collaborating with the people who live, boat and travel along our canal sides. We want to build on this success, and we can't do that without you.

"If we are to encourage busy, vibrant canals that welcome as many boats as possible onto the water, we have to find sustainable and efficient solutions. I'm confident that the results of this consultation will support those efforts."

Scotland's inland waterways attract 2,800 transiting boats per year from as far afield as Argentina and Japan, with the Lowlands boasting over 250 long-term berth holders. Since they were re-opened by the Millennium Link in 2002, the Lowland canals have also attracted an average of 80 transits per year, largely from the UK.

Johnathan Briggs, Target Applications Ltd, added: "This is a great opportunity for boaters and other canal users to share their ideas and opinions with Scottish Canals. We have extensive experience of leading public consultations in a range of settings, and believe that by delivering insightful analysis that retains individual confidentiality, we can support meaningful engagement and change. I'm looking forward to supporting Scottish Canals to better understand public priorities for the canals."

Those interested in learning more about the scope of the consultation are welcome to attend information events organised by Scottish Canals in Glasgow, Falkirk and Edinburgh throughout the month of December.

(MH/JG)