Scottish Inland Waterways Association

'Scotland's voice on inland waterways'

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ORIGINS of the SCOTTISH INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION

SIWA was conceived in the late 1960s by  enthusiasts who, following the closure of the two formerly navigable Lowland canals, wished to preserve them as major historical, architectural and  recreational assets,  yet aimed to restore them.

SIWA met first in 1970. SIWA explored the possibility of setting up the organisation as a branch of the  Inland Waterways Association (IWA) : but, finally, decided against so doing.

SIWA was legally founded in 1971. At the inaugural meeting Mr Robert Shopland, General Secretary of IWA, said he "welcomed the setting up of a separate Scottish Organisation".  SIWA had wished to be independent. Subconsciously,  had they anticipated a Scottish Parliament?

By 1975 SIWA's bold policy was recognised in print: the Shell Book of Inland Waterways (David & Charles) quoted:    "SIWA .... holds a long-term and ambitious aim of seeing the waterways reopened for  sizeable craft throughout".

SIWA worked hard to achieve that ambition.

Since  the 1970s  SIWA  has been  active and expansive. The opening of both the canals and the Wheel in this Century secured that inspired aim.

It has totally absorbed the members energies to good result. SIWA is successfully influencing decisions across Scotland in new restoration and environmental issues as well as leisure and commercial users interests.