Scottish Canals

Associate Member

Scottish Canals is the operating name of the British Waterways Board.

The British Waterways Board was established by the Transport Act 1962 to manage and maintain the inland waterways. By virtue of the Scotland Act 1998, responsibility for the inland waterways in Scotland was devolved to the Scottish Parliament and was designated as a cross-border public authority under the Scotland Act 1998 (Cross-Border Public Authorities) (Specification) Order 1999.

Scotland’s canals have a proud and rich history, having contributed to the country’s economy for over 200 years.

Whilst the goods and people they once transported powered the industrial revolution, today the canals drive transformational change, through investment in regeneration and tourism, helping to tackle global issues such as health inequality and climate change. Having enjoyed a renaissance over the last few years, Scottish Canals are now adapting and using these working heritage assets for 21st century purposes; reimagining the ways we value, protect and enjoy our canal corridors.