AllanD

Spent yesterday evening in Skipton on the L&L observing the vibrancy of the canalside opposite the junction with the Springs Branch. This is what I had hoped for the Lowland Canals. On our recent walking along the F&C I have become aware of the area of possible development, one example could be the release of the area of the old Kelvin drydock to provide a very usable facility for many. Confidence in our waterways must begin with SC and then be actively promoted by them into business and community groups.

My wife and I would be 2 of the walkers. Planning a Coast to Coast along the FC (Bowling to Grangemouth) in August as a fundraiser, and walked from Clydebank to Lambhill Stables today and not a sign of any boat movement.

We walked from Maryhill Locks to Cadder today with no boat movements to be seen. A wonderful asset being under-utilized. Strolled passed some nice canalside apartments just east of Maryhill but looking onto an empty canal I don't think was in the plans.

What would be another way to go is the release of land at reasonable cost to promote the development of facilities such as moorings, engineering and other businesses to support the existing and future boaters on the canal by independent companies other than SC.

Just wanted to let you know that the closure of the 2 bridges was briefly mentioned in the Scottish BBC news this morning.

Below is a link to the Kirkintilloch Herald newspaper picking up the plight of the Forth Clyde canal being discussed within the local county council. I hope as reported in the article that other councils will also lobby both SC and the Scottish Government. https://www-kirkintilloch--herald-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.kirkintilloch-herald.co.uk/news/fears-for-jobs-with-dereliction-of-canal-1-4737048/amp?amp_js_v=a1&amp_gsa=1#amp_tf=From %1%24s&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kirkintilloch-herald.co.uk%2Fnews%2Ffears-for-jobs-with-dereliction-of-canal-1-4737048

Don't know about passage through the bridges, but did notice a cruiser moving along between Kirkintilloch and the Stables Restaurant this afternoon.

Do you know if anyone took up SC's generous offer to operate locks yesterday to allow movement from Bowling or intend to make passage through Twechar or Bonny Bridge bridges tomorrow? If so could you please let us know how you got on.

You may need to be Scottish to understand the following, but when you talk to some people about "Springs and Neaps" they assume that you are talking about cabbage and turnips. A severe interpersonal gap in upbringing often leads to a drastic lack of interest.

Weed growth has been a problem for quite a while; it is this that prevents us from being able to simply moor alongside the canal towpath but requires us to moor in specified locations.

Local newspaper has picked up the story with a local businessman putting forward what could be a very serious and sadly possible future for the Lowland Canals. https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/falkirk-council-urged-to-help-stop-dereliction-of-forth-and-clyde-canal-1-4731833

It was this passage booking and the manner in which we were herded in convoy through the locks on the Forth Clyde Canal which severely diminished the enjoyment factor of cruising. The freedom to cruise spontaneously was removed. This was one of the reasons which made me consider selling up.

Any action by the government can only be judged on the accuracy and integrity of any information presented. The question is really; has been the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; remembering that we live an age of post-truth.

The Forth and Clyde Canal was on the TV last night in the comedy "Still Game" where they crashed a car into the canal. Perhaps this is another avenue of income for SC either as a film location or a dumping area for old cars.

You may find it difficult to find moorings as grp owners don't always like large steel boats near them.

Yeah, heard on the radio that all is well. Hopefully no-one has been hurt.

Is the problem with bridges spreading? The swing bridge at Laggan on the Caledonian Canal is jammed open closing the A82 with a diversion of 150 miles involved.

What are the ethics and issues with this going onto social media? It is one way to get it into the Public Domain.

I had a brief look on the Boat Hire website but found no mention of any restrictions or closures. Does anyone know if hirers have been informed?

I don't know if I should feel guilty or relieved that I sold my boat last year. My hopes for the regeneration of the canals are slowly being destroyed. I have previously cruised and walked some of the canals in down south and it was these memories which had raised my expectations for the Lowland Canals. I am hurting for everyone who is still on the water being affected by all of this.

Jokar, I am not too sure about messaging so just checking if you got the one from regarding SC. AllanD

I took a drive down to Bowling this afternoon to show some moral support for all those affected, unfortunately l did not meet with anyone. JOKAR, I saw your boat and very nice too; enjoy your trips as and when they occur.

Can someone please decipher this political statement for a simple minded layman.

After considerable delays dealing with SC I telephoned Paula Carson to help in getting my final bill on giving up my mooring and also the electric account. She told me someone would phone me within the week and true to her word I was contacted by SC with an acceptable conclusion. I thanked her for her help.

And who is going to get to Auchinstarry to use the 2 days of facilities operation? Unless they operate Twechar lift bridge no-one from the west can reach it and those East of Bonnybridge can't get there either.