Scottish Canals have announced a public information event to explore the current activity and future challenges on the Caledonian Canal.

Communities and interested parties are invited to attend a public engagement event on Friday 29th November at the Caledonian Stadium, where they will hear from Scottish Canals CEO, Catherine Topley, and others from the executive team.

The event will include an overview of the extensive use and variety of activities that are undertaken on the canal, and provide an opportunity for attendees to share their views on how Scottish Canals can continue to provide a good level of customer service for boaters, partners, and visitors. The evening will conclude with a question and answer session about the future of the canal.

Catherine Topley, Chief Executive at Scottish Canals: "I am so pleased to have the opportunity to meet with communities and interested parties to explore Scottish Canals vision for this magnificent canal. Our inland waterways form an important part of our national heritage, but we must also consult and plan for their future to ensure they remain an integral community asset. This event offers a great chance to learn more about the canal, share creative ideas and raise local priorities."

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Scotland's inland waterways attract 2,800 transiting boats per year from as far afield as Argentina and Japan. Between January 2016 and June 2019, the Highland canal network, which includes the Caledonian and Crinan Canals, benefitted from an impressive £61.1 million investment, an impressive 176% increase on the previous period (2010-2015). This period also saw the creation of a record 626 temporary construction jobs and the building of 468 new houses.

Russell Thomson, Head of Customer Operations for the Caledonian Canal, added: "These are exciting times for the canal, but there are also challenges that come when working with a 200 year old living monument. For instance, there is a lot to explore and discuss as we plan for future seasonal offers, volunteering opportunities, opening hours and opportunities to extend user operations. We're looking forward to sharing our thoughts and seeking your feedback on how to continue to work with the local community to maximise the use and benefit of the canal."

The public engagement event will take place from 5.00pm – 7.00pm at the Caledonian Stadium, Stadium Road, Inverness, IV1 1FF. Advance booking is not required.

(MH/JG)