Scottish Canals has announced that the reopening of the Falkirk Flight on the Forth & Clyde Canal has been rescheduled for August 2026.

Navigation between locks 3 and 16 remains suspended as teams undertake a multi-million-pound capital investment programme to modernise the canal’s aging infrastructure.

The project centres on the replacement of lock gates that were installed nearly 25 years ago during the original Millennium Link Project. Traditionally made of oak, these gates have a lifespan of approximately 25 years and are now reaching the end of their service life due to constant water pressure and environmental erosion.

To date, engineers have successfully replaced six sets of lock gates, including those at Lock 16 and downstream gates at locks 12 through 15. A significant milestone was also reached with the installation of a new lock bypass at Lock 16, which will allow for superior water management and reduce the need for temporary pumping in the future.

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However, detailed inspections conducted while the canal was dewatered in 2025 revealed unforeseen structural issues. Experts identified a need for additional repairs to the canal's embankments, masonry, and historic clay linings—some of which have not been visible for decades. These essential safety works have necessitated an extension of the original timeline.

2026 Works Programme

A busy schedule is planned for the first half of 2026 to bring the project to completion:

- 16th February: The canal will be dewatered between locks 3 and 16. A professional Fish Rescue will be conducted prior to this to safely relocate local wildlife downstream.

- March – July: Replacement of downstream gates at locks 7, 9, 10, and 11. This period will also see ongoing inspections and temporary repairs at Lock 4.

- July: The canal is scheduled to be rewatered.

- August 2026: Navigation is expected to fully reopen to boaters.

This programme of work is essential to ensuring the Forth & Clyde Canal remains a thriving and safe resource for the next generation of visitors and boaters.