Opening of the Kelpies Towpath

Transport Minister Keith Brown joined local schoolchildren for the opening of the new Kelpies Towpath on the Forth & Clyde Canal extension.

To mark the opening of the Helix towpath, the Minister, John Lauder from Sustrans, Steve Dunlop from Scottish Canals and pupils from Bowhouse Primary School cycled along the 1km Forth & Clyde Canal extension, which runs from the River Carron in the east under the M9 motorway to the Kelpies.

The towpath marks the completion of a £1.3 million project to upgrade paths throughout Scotland's canal network, with more than ten kilometres of towpaths upgraded at seven different locations.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans has invested almost £700,000 in the project, while Falkirk Council invested £240,000, Glasgow City Council contributed £175,000 and West Lothian Land Trust invested almost £90,000. The Helix and Scottish Canals also contributed nearly £130,000 to the project.

Steve Dunlop, Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, said: 'The new Helix towpath is a fantastic addition to Scotland’s canal system and a vital part of the £43m Helix project, as well as Scotland’s cycle network.

'The nation’s towpaths are busier than ever and, as well as being important destinations for leisure, tourism and commuting, they play a vital role in the communities they run through. By working with our partners to improve our towpaths, we hope to encourage even more people to explore Scotland’s canals by boot, boat and bike.'

For more on Scotland's canals, visit the Scottish Canals website.

(Images copyright Peter Sandground)