Scottish Inland Waterways Association

'Scotland's voice on inland waterways'

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The Canals of Scotland

Scotland has four navigable canals and numerous smaller ones which although not now in use are still of interest.

The Union Canal and the Forth and Clyde canals were closed over 40 years ago but were reopened by the Millennium Link project. This saw the first parts re-opened in May 2000 and celebrations continued till May 2002 when the last piece of the jigsaw, the Falkirk Wheel was opened. The story of all the opening events, including many photos,  can be seen at the Gamebird web site. Although this site is mainly about a little narrow boat it contains a record of every opening event. The Forth and Clyde canal now enjoys the passage of many sea going boats as they go from coast  to coast and the Union is seeing a revival in pleasure boats.

The Caledonian Canal which passes through the Great Glen linking Fort William and Inverness is mainly used by sea going boats. Loch Ness forms part of this canal and at some 700 feet deep it is unlike any other canal in the UK.

The Crinan Canal cuts across the Mull of Kintyre and saves sea going boats having to cruise round the south of the Mull, past Campbeltown.