How do we exploit the vast potential of Scotland’s canal network?
Autumn 2009
New independent economic research confirms that the revitalisation of the Scottish canal network, started with the £78m Millennium Link and The Falkirk Wheel and continued with a £20m investment in the Caledonian Canal, continues to bring significant economic and social dividends to communities, businesses and regions across the country.
Overall, £322m of private investment has been stimulated by the restoration of the lowland network and updated forecasts show we have the potential to generate £1.8bn (up from an estimated £1.5bn in April) and over 12,700 jobs by 2020 if investment in Scotland’s canals continues at the current level.
And figures for each of the nine local authority areas capitalising on this tremendous asset for community gain, show a robust regional pattern. Regeneration activity is on track to add an estimated £77.5m of private investment to West Dunbartonshire; £43.7m to Glasgow; £32.4m to East Dunbartonshire; £3.7m to North Lanarkshire; £76.4m to Falkirk; £1.7m to West Lothian and £86.6m to Edinburgh. The Highlands are also expected to reap the benefits of added private investment of up to £11.9m and Argyll and Bute £8.1m.
And we can go much further in helping deliver a Successful Scotland. Green electricity, natural flood alleviation and drainage, more urban and rural regeneration in deprived areas, floating ‘eco hotels’ and green corridors are just some of the ways in which the Scottish canal network can be harnessed and exploited to add further value to the Scottish Government’s key strategic social, economic and environmental objectives and the complementary aims of each local authority.
So, these are exciting times as we prove the value of Scotland’s canals but, this year and next, we are seeking stakeholder input into how we manage our growing aspirations against inevitably shrinking resources.
This summer, we began our ‘Twenty Twenty’ conversation to debate the best shape and substance of our organisation moving forward. The starting point is our belief that a thriving, sustainable network can only be assured by placing people and partners at its heart; creating an environment where individuals and communities share a vested interest and responsibility in its well-being.
Ultimately, engendering the commitment of our stakeholders in this way may be best served by migrating in part or in whole into a third sector organisation with new governance and organisational structure. Whatever the outcome of this debate, our driving imperative will remain to ensure the Scottish canal network continues to make a significant, relevant, meaningful and exciting contribution to a Successful Scotland.
Our ‘Twenty Twenty’ conversation is taking place through formal meetings with our existing partner, customer and community groups up until the end of the year. If we are unable to reach you during this process but you are keen to feed in your thoughts, please get in touch by emailing joanna.harrison@britishwaterways.co.uk
