DOCSLIB.ORG

Board Meeting Minutes

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Board Meeting Minutes Meeting: Board of Scottish Canals Date and Time: 23rd April 2020 at 10.00am Venue: Video Conference Present: Andrew Thin Chair Rob McGregor Board Member David Middleton Board Member Carolyn Sawers Board Member Catherine Topley Chief Executive Michelle Wailes Board Member In attendance: David Blair Director of Policy and Governance Lindsey McNeill Director of Corporate Services Richard Millar Director of Infrastructure and Operations Nicola Christie Head of Legal Services – Secretary to the Board Jeanette Roberts Head of Health & Safety (item 11 only) Josie Saunders Head of Corporate Affairs Cath Mitchell Executive Assistant Wendy Nicol Canals Policy, Scottish Government (Item 7 onwards) Apologies: Martin Ritchie Head of Ports, Shipping, Freight & Canals, Scottish Government Item Topic Action By / When 1. Welcome and Apologies 1.1. The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. 1.2. The Chair commended the commitment of the Executive Management team and Scottish Canals staff to address the challenges of the covid-19 lockdown whilst delivering on key business issues. 1.3. The Chair proposed that the comprehensive written reports for each agenda item be taken as read and that the meeting focus on matters requiring a Board decision. 2. Declaration of Interests 1.2 As required by the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. Act 2000, Board Members are asked at all meetings to highlight any declarations of interest which may give rise to any conflict with any items on the agenda. 2.2 There were no declarations of interest. 3. Approval of Previous Minutes 3.1. The Board considered and approved the draft minutes of the Board meeting held on 12 March 2020. Page 1 of 11 www.scottishcanals.co.uk A01263-01-02 Board Meeting Minutes Item Topic Action By / When 3.2. The Board ratified the minutes of the urgent board decision taken by phone and email on 21 and 22 March 2020 in response to the covid-19 outbreak recommending the closure of all non- essential operations for an undefined period pending further advice from the Scottish Government. 4. Matters Arising and Review of Previous Actions 4.1 Scottish Canals maintains an action log of all key decisions and actions arising from the Board meetings. This ensures that requests can be actioned in a timely fashion by the correct individual. The Board agreed that the following actions should be closed having been satisfactorily discharged: 4.1.1 The ARC Chair to report to the March Board following a scheduled meeting with the current co-opted member. 4.1.2 The Board to be updated at its meeting in March 2020 regarding progress to address the current Health & Safety resource issue. 4.1.3 The Board to review the Business Plan 2020/21 at the Board meeting on 12 March 2020. 4.1.4 A progress update on the transition to SG budgeting and new accounting treatment to be reported to the Board at its meeting on 12 March 2020. 4.1.5 Clarification of any impact on the accounting treatment of the outstanding debt arising from the lease of the Canal-side holiday cottage portfolio as a result of the SG transition project to be reported to the Board. 4.1.6 A project options review for the Barr’s Community Hub project at Lock 16 on the Forth & Clyde canal to be reported to the Board at the Board meeting on 12 March 2020. 4.1.7 A project options review for phase one of the Carse Outdoor Hub development, renamed the Treehouse, to be reported to the Board meeting on 12 March 2020. 4.1.8 The Cabinet Secretary to approve the finalised Corporate Plan 2020/23 prior to the Scottish Canals Board meeting on 12 March 2020. 4.1.9 Scottish Canals’ to publish its Board Papers on its website from the commencement of the financial year 2020/21. 4.1.10 The Board to be advised on the highlighted discrepancy between the UK Great Travel Company bad debt provision and that reported in the Administrator’s plan. 4.1.11 The Board to be consulted on Board meeting locations well in advance of Board meetings 4.2 The Board noted that reporting on progress of the following remaining outstanding actions was included in various agenda items to be discussed during the meeting, and the report on Page 2 of 11 www.scottishcanals.co.uk A01263-01-02 Board Meeting Minutes Item Topic Action By / When actions from previous meetings would be updated to reflect these discussions: 4.2.1 The Corporate Risk Register to be reviewed further at the next Board meeting. 4.2.2 The Board to be updated on the review of the current Corporate and Operational Governance arrangements at the Board meeting in April 2020. 4.2.3 The quarterly Business Report to include additional narrative on red KPIs and high risk assets. 4.2.4 The Board to be advised of any adjustment to the anticipated year end surplus as part of the current monthly budget reporting to the Board. 4.2.5 The Executive Management Team to actively progress options to facilitate canal access to the local community in the vicinity of Boroughmuir High School on the Union Canal this financial year and update the Board on progress in the Q4 Estates, Commercial and Operations Report. 4.2.6 A review of the longer-term options for the portfolio of holiday cottages and boats progress to be reported to the Board in the Q4 Estates, Commercial and Operations Report. 4.2.7 The Board to be updated on progress to deliver the Scottish Canals Health & Safety Action Plan 2019/20 at the next Board meeting. 4.2.8 The Business Plan 2020/21 and high-level operating Budget 2020/21 to be reported to the next Board meeting. 4.2.9 A report on the year end financial position as agreed with Scottish Government to be reported to the next Board meeting. 4.2.10 An update on the review of financial skills and competencies to support Scottish Canals as a NDPB to be reported to the next Board meeting. 4.2.11 The potential future litigation issue with HMRC regarding their assessment of Scottish Canals’ VAT recovery position to be added to Scottish Canals’ Corporate Risk Register. 4.2.12 The Board and SG to be kept updated on progress of the VAT assessment issue with HMRC. 4.2.13 An update on the Sighthill Enterprise Wharf to be reported to the next Board meeting. 5 Audit & Risk Committee Chair Report and (i) ARC Minutes 26-03- 2020 draft 5.1 The Board noted the focused written report from the ARC Chair together with the draft minutes of the ARC meeting held on 26 March 2020 informing the Board on issues considered by the Page 3 of 11 www.scottishcanals.co.uk A01263-01-02 Board Meeting Minutes Item Topic Action By / When ARC. (ii) Internal Audit Plan 2020/21 5.2 The Board considered the content and expected outputs of the draft Internal Audit Plan 2020/21. The Board noted that the plan would be kept under review as some of the audits included in the current plan may be superseded by other areas of higher risk due to covid-19. Following the recommendation of the ARC, the Board approved the Internal Audit Plan 2020/21. (iii) Amended Internal Audit Plan 2019/20 5.3 The Board ratified an amendment to the Internal Audit Plan 2019/20, as recommended by the ARC, to include a review of financial planning. (iv) Complaints Handling Procedure 5.4 The Board approved the recommendation of the ARC to adopt the two part model complaints handling procedure in line with the model Complaints Handling Procedure as published by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman for implementation by Scottish Canals in its entirety. 5.5 The Board noted that a link to the Unacceptable Behaviour policy would be included within the procedures and that the Corporate Affairs team would convert the draft documentation into a user friendly, Scottish Canals branded document prior to publication on the web-site. ACTIONS: a) A link to the Unacceptable Behaviour policy to be included in the Complaints Handling Procedures. Head of Legal b) The Complaints Handling Procedures to be converted into a Services/Head of user friendly, Scottish Canals branded document prior to Corporate Affairs publication on the web-site. 6 Business Continuity 6.1 The Board acknowledged the significant impact of covid-19 on the day-to-day operations and delivery of Scottish Canals. The Board reviewed and confirmed their satisfaction with the approach the Executive Management Team have taken and the ongoing response to covid-19, including amended approval processes, as summarised in the Board report. The Board noted that prudent, cautious planning regarding people, operational and financial issues was in place, with regular discussions and sharing of this with Transport Scotland. 7 Business Plan 2020/21 and Budget 2020/21 7.1 The Board noted that, given the rapid pace of change due to the impact of covid-19 and the current shutdown of all activity across the canal network, the initial content and format of the Operational Business Plan 2020/21 had been simplified to track revised activities against original stated aims. Page 4 of 11 www.scottishcanals.co.uk A01263-01-02 Board Meeting Minutes Item Topic Action By / When 7.2 The Board considered the revised Operational Business Plan 2020/21 supported by the initial detailed Budget plan and a covid-19 impact assessment. The Board was assured by the implementation of a thorough Budget planning process, demonstrated by the robust management of Budget allocations and supported by a budget holders training programme.
Recommended publications
  • FORTH, CLYDE and UNION CANALS Notes on Multi-Use Access

    FORTH, CLYDE and UNION CANALS Notes on Multi-Use Access

    FORTH, CLYDE AND UNION CANALS Notes on multi-use access The Forth and Clyde Canal stretches 35 miles between Bowling, on the Clyde west of Glasgow, and the Forth estuary east of Falkirk, linking directly via the Union Canal to Edinburgh. Walkers and cyclists may now be a more common sight than the horses for whom the towpaths were originally created, and riding a horse alongside the canal may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act, horse-riders enjoy equal access rights to other non-motorised access takers. Most of the former barriers along the towpath have been removed or modified to allow multi-use access, although there are a few places where the passable width is very narrow, or where steps have been installed to divert around obstructions in the line of the towpath may not be passable with a horse. These notes have been produced by British Horse Society Scotland to help identify location and brief details of features which may influence multi-use of the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals. The notes are intended to supplement information already available from other sources, including detailed route guides, http://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/our-canals/forth-- clyde-canal and other relevant websites. The background information for these notes was provided by volunteers who surveyed the route in 2014 as part of a multi-use long distance route audit funded by Scottish Natural Heritage. BHS will endeavour to update notes as and when notification of subsequent changes is received, but cannot guarantee accessibility or the accuracy of information provided.
  • Annual Report and Accounts 2005-06

    Annual Report and Accounts 2005-06

    CONTACT DETAILS WATERWAYS BRITISH Head Office Customer Service Centre Willow Grange, Church Road, Willow Grange, Church Road, Watford WD17 4QA Watford WD17 4QA T 01923 226422 T 01923 201120 ANNUAL REPORT & F 01923 201400 F 01923 201300 PUBLIC BENEFITS [email protected] FROM HISTORIC WATERWAYS BW Scotland Northern Waterways Southern Waterways British Waterways ACCOUNTS 2005/06 Canal House, Willow Grange ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2005/06 Applecross Street, North West Waterways Central Shires Waterways Church Road Glasgow G4 9SP Waterside House, Waterside Drive, Peel’s Wharf, Lichfield Street, Watford T 0141 332 6936 Wigan WN3 5AZ Fazeley, Tamworth B78 3QZ WD17 4QA F 0141 331 1688 T 01942 405700 T 01827 252000 enquiries.scotland@ F 01942 405710 F 01827 288071 britishwaterways.co.uk enquiries.northwest@ enquiries.centralshires@ T +44 1923 201120 britishwaterways.co.uk britishwaterways.co.uk F +44 1923 201300 BW London E [email protected] 1 Sheldon Square, Yorkshire Waterways South West Waterways www.britishwaterways.co.uk Paddington Central, Fearns Wharf, Neptune Street, Harbour House, West Quay, www.waterscape.com, your online guide London W2 6TT Leeds LS9 8PB The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2LG to Britain’s canals, rivers and lakes. T 020 7985 7200 T 0113 281 6800 T 01452 318000 F 020 7985 7201 F 0113 281 6886 F 01452 318076 ISBN 0 903218 28 3 enquiries.london@ enquiries.yorkshire@ enquiries.southwest@ Designed by 55 Design Ltd britishwaterways.co.uk britishwaterways.co.uk britishwaterways.co.uk Printed by Taylor
  • Leisure Licence and Mooring Price List Valid from 1.4.18

    Leisure Licence and Mooring Price List Valid from 1.4.18

    Leisure Licence and Mooring Price List valid from 1.4.18 Please refer to the booklet ‘Boating on Scotland’s Canals – Licences and Moorings’ for our Terms & Conditions Long Term Navigation Licence fee £203.47 (All craft kept on our Waterways must have a Navigation Licence) Mooring Site Annual (per metre) Summer (Apr-Sep) Winter (Oct-Mar) (per metre, per calendar month, min 3 month contract) Caledonian Canal Banavie £182.60 £21.91 £14.61 Corpach Basin £187.82 £22.54 £15.03 Corpach Reach £167.99 £20.16 £13.44 Dochgarroch East £175.30 £21.04 £14.02 Dochgarroch West £187.82 £22.54 £15.03 Fort Augustus £197.20 £23.67 £15.78 Gairlochy £160.68 £19.28 £12.86 Kytra £124.16 £14.90 £9.93 Laggan Avenue £124.16 £14.90 £9.93 Laggan Top £160.68 £19.28 £12.86 Seaport Marina £203.47 £24.42 £16.28 Crinan Canal Ardrishaig Basin £156.51 £18.78 £12.52 Ardrishaig Basin Dummy Lock £187.82 £22.54 £15.03 Bellanoch Bridge £140.86 £16.90 £11.27 Bellanoch Pontoon £169.03 £20.28 £13.52 Bellanoch Stern To Berths £126.77 £15.21 £10.14 Cairnbaarn Lock 5 £149.32 £17.92 £11.95 Crinan Basin £163.56 £19.63 £13.08 Crinan Basin Dummy Lock £189.38 £22.73 £15.15 Crinan Rings £126.77 £15.21 £10.14 Lock 14 Crinan £163.56 £19.63 £13.08 Lock 4 Top £140.86 £16.90 £11.27 Oakfield Bridge £140.86 £16.90 £11.27 Forth & Clyde Canal Auchinstarry £135.00 £16.20 £10.80 Bowling Lower Basin £229.56 £27.55 £18.36 Bowling Upper Basin £200.86 £24.10 £16.07 Bowling Helenslea £186.51 £22.38 £14.92 Camelon Lock 16 £82.17 £9.86 £6.57 Cadder £105.65 £12.68 £8.45 Grangemouth – serviced £135.00 £16.20 £10.80 Grangemouth – unserviced £76.31 £9.16 £6.10 The Falkirk Wheel – canal £111.52 £13.38 £8.92 Southbank Marina £152.60 £18.31 £12.21 Union Canal Causeway End £149.21 £17.91 £11.94 Ratho linear £149.21 £17.91 £11.94 Ratho Marina £189.90 £22.79 £15.19 All prices include VAT at 20% which may be subject to change by Government.
  • Code of Practice for Works Affecting Scottish Canals A00340-02-029 V1.2

    Code of Practice for Works Affecting Scottish Canals A00340-02-029 V1.2

    Document Reference No. - A00340-02-029 Document Version No. - V1.2 Document Type - Standard Document Title - Code of Practice for Works Affecting Scottish Canals Prepared by Name - Brian McInally Position - Senior Project Manager Authorised by Name(s) - David Lamont Position(s) - Director of Operations Authorised by Date - 19.06.14 Signature - Date of Next Review 10.05.15 Responsible Name - Brian McInally Position - Senior Project Manager 1 Version Control and Amendments Version Date Comments V1.1 June 13 Version Control and Amendment table added. 1. In Clause 4.1.2.1 flood return period changed from V1.2 Jan/Feb 1:100 to 1:200. 14 2. Need for Temporary Licence pages 2,3,8,9, 14 removed. 3. Reference to Estates Team page 12 amended 4. Reduced items that require licence in clause 5.4 page 12 5. Appendix 8 The Estates Manager, inserted ….appointed from time to time by SC 6. Appendix 13 additional note added on… The stoppage charges are subject to review. 7. Works Engineer changed to Project Manager and Estates Surveyor changed to Estates Manager. 8 Insert definition of Technical Review Clause 1.4.4. 9. Page numbers rationalised. 10. Date corrected in Appendix 13 from 31 to 30 April. 11. Scheduled Monuments on page 38, Monklands Canal added. 2 CONTENTS Section 1 Guidance Notes 1 Forward 6 2 Third Party Works Process at a glance 9 3 Control of the Progression of the Project 10 4 The Environmental and Technical Review 11 5 Utilities, Works and Perminant Oversail Licences 16 6 Fees 20 7 Third Party Works: Flow of Monies 23 8 Public Notifications
  • Trustees' Report and Accounts

    Trustees' Report and Accounts

    Trustees’ Report and Accounts For the period 12 October 2011 to 31 March 2013 Trustees’ Report & Accounts 1 “ The Canal & River Trust has been described as the ‘oldest new charity in the country’ and it has the potential to be one of the greatest voluntary sector organisations. Miranda Krestovnikoff “Reports like these tend to be about the numbers – and this one won’t disappoint! – but our precious canals and rivers cannot be captured in a spreadsheet. They are more than the bridges, the locks, the channels and aqueducts – vital as they are. They are more than the water, and the boats and wildlife that depend on it. “They are about people. “ What the Trust does is important not simply because it conserves precious spaces, but because these spaces are special for everyone who experiences them. Space to escape, to find solace, to have fun, to reclaim our childlike sense of wonder. We are just the latest generation of individuals adding our stories to those that have gone before us. We want these stories to inspire and be retold by the people who come after us. “That is quite a challenge. It is why we need the Canal & River Trust.” – Miranda Krestovnikoff, Wildlife expert & broadcaster Open the fold-out to discover some highlights of our story so far 4 Trustees’ Report & Accounts June: David Suchet, Timothy West, August: London John Craven, Miranda Krestovnikoff to Brussels cycle and Paul Atterbury announced as our ride raises nearly first Friends. Waterways Partnerships £39,000 for the February: We announce all in place. Canal & River Trust joins Trust.
  • View the Living on Water Pilot Evaluation Report

    View the Living on Water Pilot Evaluation Report

    ‘Living on Water’ Pilot Evaluation December 2013 1. Introduction Scottish Canals published a Draft Waterspace Strategy for public consultation in February 2012. Within this publication, we set out our ambitions to develop greater vibrancy on the water beginning by encouraging more people to live or operate a business afloat on the waterways. We began by describing how both residential and commercial markets had developed slowly over the years without proactive marketing. At that point, we had 25 residential moorings, all of which were located on the Lowland canals. We also had a healthy number of hire and passenger boats, charities, social enterprises and canal societies operating across Scotland, but knew there to be much potential for new commercial operators, on the Lowland canals in particular. Next, we set out our rationale for developing these markets, outlining the public benefits to be gained by creating vibrant new residential and commercial communities on the water. These included: o the creation of safe and welcoming locations which would, in turn, attract more visitors to the towpaths o being able to offer a competitive and attractive alternative for housing and meet the interest in „living by the water‟ o providing income for the local economy by attracting new residents and increased visitors spending in nearby amenities and services o creating new opportunities for commercial enterprises, some of which would provide new services and amenities for the local community and visitors to the towpath 1 o creating a dynamic waterspace which is attractive to potential partners, investors and tourists o the generation of income which can be reinvested in the canals helping to sustain this historic and environmental resource o giving the canals a strong sense of purpose and encouraging civic ownership We stressed that these markets would complement existing users already at the heart of the waterspace such as leisure boats, rowers and canoeists.
  • Helena Huws, Architect/Project Manager

    Helena Huws, Architect/Project Manager

    Welcome Martin Latimer Board Member Welcome, Housekeeping Matters & Agenda Items Agenda 10:00am Welcome by Martin Latimer 10.05am Operational overview by Richard Millar, Director of Heritage, Enterprise, Sustainability & Operations 10.30am Overview of Customer Operations by Russell Thomson, Head of Customer Operations 11.10am Communications overview and Pricing Consultation by Josie Saunders, Head of Corporate Affairs 11.20am The Falkirk Wheel and Rotate update by Helena Huws, Architect/Project Manager 11.35am Lowland Canals Association 11.40am LCVG update by Ronnie Rusack 11.45am Q&As 12.30pm Ends - Lowland Canal Association to convene in room after meeting Richard Millar Director of Infrastructure Operational Overview Actions from October 2016 Action Outcome Feedback received from SCBG by 31.10.16 Customers to make use of extended time to provide comparison which was included in evaluation information for consultation process (until end of October) Investigate why Scottish Canals is not invoicing customers for electricity Trial of new accounting system complete usage at Bowling & elsewhere and changes in personnel addressed. Customers emailed 6-8 weeks in advance Communicate revised dates of Boaters’ Surgeries & Customer Forums and again two weeks prior Customers asked to share information where possible. Customers to note. Reconcile the Forth Yacht Club contacts with Scottish Canals’ contact list This has been done & communication received back Customers have approached SC but no Investigate if Scottish Canals property team is looking
  • Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2010-2015

    Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2010-2015

    Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2010-2015 On behalf of Scottish Canals Project Ref: 33781 | Rev: 1 | Date: November 2016 Office Address: 160 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2HG T: +44 (0)141 352 2360 E: [email protected] Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2016 Scottish Canals Document Control Sheet Project Name: Scottish Canals Monitoring Project Ref: 33781 Report Title: Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2016 Date: November 2016 Name Position Signature Date Prepared by: ES Senior Planner ES November 2016 Reviewed by: NS Equity Director NS November 2016 Approved by: For and on behalf of Peter Brett Associates LLP Revision Date Description Prepared Reviewed Approved Peter Brett Associates LLP disclaims any responsibility to the Client and others in respect of any matters outside the scope of this report. This report has been prepared with reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the Client and generally in accordance with the appropriate ACE Agreement and taking account of the manpower, resources, investigations and testing devoted to it by agreement with the Client. This report is confidential to the Client and Peter Brett Associates LLP accepts no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report or any part thereof is made known. Any such party relies upon the report at their own risk. © Peter Brett Associates LLP 2016 ii Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2016 Scottish Canals iii Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2016 Scottish Canals iv Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2016 Scottish Canals v Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2016 Scottish Canals vi Scottish Canals Monitoring Report 2016 Scottish Canals 1 Introduction 1.1.1 PBA has been commissioned by Scottish Canals to estimate economic development and activity around the Scottish Canal network since 2010.
  • Just Add Water How Our Inland Waterways Can Do More for Rural Regeneration a Practical Guide - September 2005 96475 2Pp Text.Qxd 17/10/05 09:37 Page 2

    Just Add Water How Our Inland Waterways Can Do More for Rural Regeneration a Practical Guide - September 2005 96475 2Pp Text.Qxd 17/10/05 09:37 Page 2

    96475 2pp Text.qxd 17/10/05 09:37 Page 1 just add water How our inland waterways can do more for rural regeneration A practical guide - September 2005 96475 2pp Text.qxd 17/10/05 09:37 Page 2 Contents Foreword Foreword 01 In their industrial and commercial heyday, canals and other waterways stimulated trade and economic growth in villages, towns and cities. Today, they are just as Executive Summary 02 powerful at drawing activity and prosperity to our market towns and countryside. The inland waterways are nationally important assets which must be conserved and Introduction 03 developed sustainably to fulfil their maximum potential. They make a significant contribution to the quality of life for millions because they provide beautiful and The Rural Economy and 07 peaceful environments, recreational opportunities and access to the countryside the Inland Waterways for all. Waterways and rural 17 Some 1,500 miles of waterways pass through rural areas. They can provide much regeneration: putting needed employment and a focus for tourism. Small businesses in waterway it all together… settings, marinas and waterway-based tourism provide vital support for rural shops, post offices and pubs. Applying the development 29 I welcome this report by IWAAC. It provides a positive contribution to the development principles of Government policies for the promotion and regeneration of the countryside. It shows how mixed-use “hubs” could be developed adjacent to waterways, Practicalities: A guide 43 to promote rural regeneration and provide links to towns. to implementation I commend the report to local planning authorities, regional development agencies, Appendices 51 navigation authorities and other bodies and individuals able to ensure that our inland waterways play a more valuable role in rural regeneration.
  • Scottish Canals Asset Management Strategy 2018-2030

    Scottish Canals Asset Management Strategy 2018-2030

    Scottish Canals Asset Management Strategy 2018-2030 Scottish Canals Asset Management Strategy 2018-2030 Executive Summary Scottish Canals is responsible for five historic canals that form a network covering 140 miles across Scotland. Over the last 20 years we have re-imagined and changed the purpose of these waterways beyond recognition and secured significant investment from public, private and third sector sources. This vision and subsequent investment has ensured that the canals’ contribution has widened significantly from simple navigations to delivering for the people of Scotland in many ways including regeneration and place making, tourism and destinations, active travel and health and utilities and flood defence. Over the last five years, we have continued to develop our understanding of the canal infrastructure which we manage and maintain, as well as monitoring the growing issue of climate change and increasing diversification of use. This insight has informed our approach to developing our Asset Management Strategy 2018-2030. A piece of work we did in 2015 illustrated to us that the demands put on our assets and infrastructure significantly outweighed the revenue and capital available to the organisation by around £6m-£9m per annum, and while investment has increased, it is not currently at the required level. In line with our predictions, over the last three years we have seen a significant increase in the number of asset failures and defects identified. This Strategy defines our approach to asset management and asset risk, however, with the level of investment currently available it will not reduce the likelihood of further asset failures. The aim of the strategy is to ensure that failures are identified where possible and risk is mitigated.
  • Forth & Clyde and Union Canals

    Forth & Clyde and Union Canals

    FORTH, CLYDE AND UNION CANALS Notes on multi-use access – commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage The Forth and Clyde Canal stretches 35 miles between Bowling, on the Clyde west of Glasgow, and the Forth estuary east of Falkirk, linking directly via the Union Canal to Edinburgh. Walkers and cyclists may now be a more common sight than the horses for whom the towpaths were originally created, and riding a horse alongside the canal may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act, horse-riders enjoy equal access rights to other non-motorised access takers. Most of the former barriers along the towpath have been removed or modified to allow multi-use access, although there are a few places where the passable width is very narrow, or where steps have been installed to divert around obstructions in the line of the towpath may not be passable with a horse. These notes have been produced by British Horse Society Scotland to help identify location and brief details of features which may influence multi-use of the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals. An interactive digitised map of the route identifying sections which are accessible with a horse should be available from spring 2015 at bhsaccess.org.uk/ridemaps. Both the notes and maps are intended to supplement information already available from other sources, including detailed route guides, www.scottishcanals.co.uk/our-canals/forth--clyde-canal and other relevant websites. The background information for these notes has been provided by volunteers who surveyed the route in 2014 as part of a multi-use long distance route audit funded by Scottish Natural Heritage.
  • Edinburgh and Return from Falkirk | UK Canal Boating

    Edinburgh and Return from Falkirk | UK Canal Boating

    UK Canal Boating Telephone : 01395 443545 UK Canal Boating Email : [email protected] Escape with a canal boating holiday! Booking Office : PO Box 57, Budleigh Salterton. Devon. EX9 7ZN. England. Edinburgh and return from Falkirk Cruise this route from : Falkirk View the latest version of this pdf Edinburgh-and-return-from-Falkirk-Cruising-Route.html Cruising Days : 5.00 to 5.00 Cruising Time : 26.00 Total Distance : 64.00 Number of Locks : 4 Number of Tunnels : 4 Number of Aqueducts : 10 Edinburgh has a host of fabulous attractions, from iconic Edinburgh Castle with the Crown jewels displayed to the National Museum of Scotland & great theatres offering excellent shows . For 3 night trips cruise to Linlithgow and take a short train ride to Edinburgh, cruise is only 9 hours in total The marina is adjacent to the magnificent Falkirk Wheel visitor centre. The Falkirk Wheel is one of Scotland's top tourist destinations and attracts visitors from all across the World, one of the most stunning backdrops anywhere on the canals, . The Falkirk Wheel is 115 feet high – the equivalent height of eight double decker buses and offers visitors a real treat. It is 115 feet wide and 100 feet long. The wheel will lift loads of 600 tonnes (300 at each end) and stands in a 330 feet wide circular basin with moorings for over 20 boats. Before re-development, the site was a deep open cast pit left behind by mining which ended in the early 1980s. The total project cost was approximately £17 million and work took 22 months.