It is a bit of a "Marmite" situation regarding Scottish Canals involvement in cruising the Forth and Clyde can. Personally for my wife and myself the need to advise our desired route and times is far outweighed by the convenience of having locks set for you as you arrive and closed behind you as you leave.
This our first cruise from Ratho and are now in Kirkintilloch heading back tomorrow.
These are two different canals, the Union being lock free and in places narrow with features such as the aqueducts and the Falkirk Tunnel compared to the wider Forth and Clyde with locks and lift bridges. Both are equally pleasant to cruise. We are still discovering overnight stops but so far I can recommend bridge 41 the Park Farm Bistro on the Union, Falkirk Wheel Basin. Auchinstarry and Southbank Marina Kirkintilloch.
I hope you find your time on the Scottish Lowland Canals to you delightful.