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What we do

Creating brighter futures for the people, communities and wildlife of Scotland

From the water to the banks and beyond, we undertake innovative canal-based projects that create a brighter future for the people, communities and wildlife of Scotland.

We help young people gain the skills and confidence to find work; bring vibrancy, life and opportunities to some of the nation’s most disadvantaged communities; encourage people to get active and improve their health and mental wellbeing; and safeguard and improve the rich heritage and environments of Scotland’s canals.

Since the Trust was established over a decade ago, we’ve raised and invested more than £10 million in hundreds of pioneering projects and inspired over 120,000 people to create a brighter future for themselves, their community and Scotland’s waterways.

But, with your help, we can do so much more. Find out more about the work we do and how you can get involved. Or if you would prefer to donate then text ‘canal’ to 70111 to give £3 or visit our Just Giving page.

Canal School

Canal School

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Canal Life

Canal Life

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Canal Works

Canal Works

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canal college

canal college

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Your time & donations can transform lives

“My son Michael (19) has autism and associated learning difficulties. He started volunteering with the Green Action team and he absolutely loves it!

There is nothing out there for people like Michael, which lets him work alongside others who accept him for who he is without prejudice. We hope [you] will be able to keep helping the young people with their self confidence, feeling of self worth and to build their skills.

Many thanks to everyone at Green Action for the part they have played in our lives.”

Volunteering
Julie
Michael′s Mum

“Green Action definitely helped me get the job. During the interview they said they were very impressed with my CV and the fact that I had been volunteering.”

Canal Festival.
Ian
50, a Green Action volunteer

“My experience of volunteering with the Scottish Waterways Trust on the Caledonian Canal has been very positive. It has been a huge boost to my confidence and I have learned a great deal. I definitely feel it has been beneficial to my future career plans and that the move I’m making to a residential volunteering project would not have been possible without the experience and skills I gained at the canal.”

HRH
Julia Duncan
Volunteer on the Caledonian Canal

“The first day I met Alan I knew the project would change my life for the better. Coming to Green Action gives me a sense of achievement I have never had before.

“Finally I know what area I want to work in. I have been on benefits since leaving school and I used to think to myself ‘is this going to be my life forever?’. I thought I would never achieve or be anything. Coming to Green Action has increased my confidence levels through new motivation and realising I can do anything.”

Scottish Canals, Winter Dec 2012
Lyndsay
26, participant in the green action project

We work with amazing partners

The Falkirk Wheel
Big Lottery Fund
Clean Up Scotland
Land Trust
Glsgow City Council
Sustrans
Edinburgh Council
Enviromental key Fund
Falkirk Council
Forestry Commission
Postcode Lottery
The Conservation Volunteers
Viridor Credits

Donate

There are a few ways to donate the Power of an Hour. Text ‘POWERHOUR’ to 70800 to donate £5. Or you can donate directly with Just Giving...

Donate Now!

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Latest News

  • Your canal needs you!
  • Heritage Lottery Fund looking to appoint committee members
  • The Kirk on the Canal

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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

Twitter

  • 2 hours ago Join @hlfscotland as a committee member to join their Scotland Committee in 2016. More details at http://t.co/RuHRipBMhl
  • 4 hours ago #ThankyouFriday to our volunteers today who helped us maintain the footpath through Falkirk's historic lock flight http://t.co/bXQeiviCpp

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