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You are here: Home / Blog / Community groups and local businesses come together to conserve historic canals
Community groups and local businesses come together to conserve historic canals

Community groups and local businesses come together to conserve historic canals

Members of local canalside communities have picked up paint brushes, spades and seed packets to conserve and protect their historic local waterways.

Co-ordinated by canal custodians Scottish Canals and Scottish Waterways Trust’s Volunteer Co-ordinator John MacGown, individual volunteers and volunteers from community groups and local businesses have came out in force along the canals to carry out a range of conservation tasks.

Throughout the summer months, volunteers have made visible improvements to Bowling Harbour Entrance, and Locks 35 and Locks 27 in Glasgow. Tasks have included vegetation clearance, the painting of bascule bridges and wildflower planting.

Volunteer co-ordinator John McGowan said:

“Volunteers have worked incredibly hard on a variety of conservation tasks along the Forth & Clyde Canal, and made a difference to their local canalside communities. We have received a great response to the variety of volunteer opportunities on offer; a real mix of community groups, individuals and local businesses groups have come together on these activities. It’s great to see members of the community volunteer their time to protect and conserve our historic canals for everyone to enjoy.”

Many of these activities would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of volunteers. For information on volunteer opportunities see www.scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk/get-involved

27th August 201527th August 20151
Tags bowling, communities, glasgow, local businesses, scottish canals, the forth & clyde canal, volunteering, volunteers
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Upcoming Events

15sep - 20sep 1510:00 amsep 20Glasgow Doors Open Days: The White House InnExhibition in Maryhill's oldest building

Event Details

The history of Maryhill’s oldest building is deeply linked to the Forth & Clyde canal, with its origins as a public house selling groceries and alcohol to locals and to [...]

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Event Details

The history of Maryhill’s oldest building is deeply linked to the Forth & Clyde canal, with its origins as a public house selling groceries and alcohol to locals and to passing boatmen. There will be an exhibition for visitors, detailing the history of the building and the canal.

The White House is an important early historical landmark in the Maryhill area. It was built in the late 18th century, around the time of the construction of the west side of the Forth and Clyde Canal, the oldest and the longest canal in Scotland, which was completed in 1790.

The White House Inn was built as a public house for those using the canal network – it even served as Maryhill’s first post office. It is situated at the head of Maryhill Locks, near where the main canal joins the spur to Speirs Wharf.

Throughout the week, the building will host an exhibition by Scottish Waterways Trust, detailing the history of the canal in the area.
The White House is now occupied by cycling charity Free Wheel North, who will be organising rickshaw rides along the canal towpath during the Doors Open Day weekend.

Discover Glasgow’s Industrial Heritage: The White House, Maryhill, has played an important role in the history of Scotland’s canal network. In 2015, newly repurposed as a cycling hub which takes advantage of the extensive network of canal towpaths and river walkways, the White House is still relevant to how people of the area think about transportation.

Opening Times - Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm

Access - Full Disabled Access

Facilities - Disabled Toilet, Toilets, Refreshments Available

Nearest Train or Subway Station(s): Maryhill, Kelvindale & Summerston
Parking: Car Park Available On-Site – Free of Charge
For more information: http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com/event/white-house-inn/

Time

15 (Tuesday) 10:00 am - 20 (Sunday) 4:00 pm

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

Lambhill Stables, 11 Canal Bank North G22 6RD
20sep11:00 am- 5:00 pmGlasgow Canal Water Taxis from Lambhill StablesTake a guided boat trip along the canal as part of Doors Open Days

Event Details

Take a trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal and explore its rich industrial heritage. You will travel through the wildlife corridor that is the canal in North Glasgow.

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Event Details

Take a trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal and explore its rich industrial heritage. You will travel through the wildlife corridor that is the canal in North Glasgow.

A route to link the Firths of Forth and Clyde by canal had been raised on several occasions. After much debate and deliberation over different schemes, construction of the privately-owned Forth & Clyde Canal was approved by an Act of Parliament in March 1768. The canal was designed by John Smeaton and completed in 1790.

The 35-mile long canal served as a trade route between east and west, carrying coal and other commercial goods between Scotland’s towns and cities. It was to be large enough for seagoing vessels to develop links with trade in Europe and America.

At a time when the road network was limited and generally in a poor condition the canals offered an alternative means of transport that was efficient, relatively fast and tailored to the needs of the growing industrial sector.

The tour will take you through the industrial landscape of North Glasgow. Departing from Scottish Canals Head office on Applecross street you will see one of the remaining historic Bascule Bridges and one of the oldest Canal buildings dating from the late 1700’s. From there you will sail through Firhill Basin and onto Maryhill Locks were the boat will turn before heading to Lambhill Stables. The stables date from the 1820’s and serviced the horses that pulled the ‘Swift Boats’ that brought passengers into the heart of the city.

These and many other historic sights will be highlighted by the on board guides.

Tour Times

Sun 11am & 3pm; 2 hours

Advanced Booking Essential. Booking opens at 10am on Wednesday 26th August 2015. Details of how to book will be updated on this webpage shortly. Please be aware that Doors Open Day events are very popular and will book out quickly.

Please book on the Doors Open Days website: http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com/event/glasgow-canal-water-taxi-from-lambhill-stables/

Access

Limited Disabled Access
There is access for the ambulant disabled into the boat. Access is by steps down onto the foredeck. There may also be a step up to the boat.

 

Getting Here

Nearest Train or Subway Station(s): Possil & Parkhouse

Parking: On Street Parking Available – Free of Charge

 

Organisation

Scottish Canals

Time

(Sunday) 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location

Canal Towpath by Balmore Road Bridge

Lambhill Stables, 11 Canal Bank North G22 6RD

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

24 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH14 1TQ
20sep1:00 pm- 3:30 pmBee Scene in EdinburghVolunteer Bumblebee Surveys on the Union Canal

Event Details

Get a buzz out of bumblebees? Join our volunteer bumblebee surveys along the Union Canal in Edinburgh to learn more about these fascinating furry creatures and the vital role they play [...]

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Event Details

Get a buzz out of bumblebees?

Join our volunteer bumblebee surveys along the Union Canal in Edinburgh to learn more about these fascinating furry creatures and the vital role they play in the environment.

Using resources provided by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT), we will be assessing a stretch of the canal once a month between March and October. Bumblebee sightings will contribute to the BBCT’s National ‘BeeWalk’ database and to the Scottish Canals environmental heritage team who will be pleased to have up-to-date information on these crucial contributors to the general health of the canal environment.

Are you a seasoned bee buff or just want to get with the buzz on the Canal? Come along!

Time

(Sunday) 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Location

Water of Leith Conservation Trust

24 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH14 1TQ

Organizer

Alan Forrester

07768 951740

Edinburgh Quay
26sep2:00 pm- 4:00 pmUnlock the Story of the Union CanalPart of Doors Open Days Edinburgh

Event Details

Unlock the story of the Union Canal on our free guided walk in Edinburgh as part of Doors Open Days. Explore the heritage and rich social and industrial history of Edinburgh's [...]

Event Details

Unlock the story of the Union Canal on our free guided walk in Edinburgh as part of Doors Open Days.

Explore the heritage and rich social and industrial history of Edinburgh’s canal on this free, two-hour guided walk with Canal Officer Gemma.

Booking by Monday 21st September essential at www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-cockburnassociation-8395054886

Meet at Edinburgh Quay.

Time

(Saturday) 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location

Edinburgh Quay

Edinburgh Quay

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

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