Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown, today announced his intention to appoint Geoff Aitkenhead, Tanya Castell, Martin Latimer and Duncan Sutherland to the Board which will oversee the transition of British Waterways Scotland to a self-standing Scottish public corporation charged with the management and development of Scotland’s canals.

Scotland's canals provide a stunning setting for sailing, boating and paddle sports. As well as this primary role, they stimulate multi-million pound regeneration and development, support Scotland’s tourism and destination economy, contribute significantly to the active living agenda, biodiversity, heritage and education. They also enable skills and confidence-building projects in some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.


British Waterways (BW), the organisation which maintains and manages the canals, is currently a cross-border public authority. The UK Government has decided that BW’s activities in England & Wales will transfer to a newly formed charity, Canal & River Trust. This change is expected to happen in early July 2012, subject to approval by both the Scottish and UK Parliaments. Following this, BW will continue to exercise its functions in respect of Scotland only. It will become a Scottish public body which will operate under the name “Scottish Canals”.

There are currently 2 members of the BW Board appointed by Scottish Ministers: Dr Jon Hargreaves and Duncan Sutherland. Their current terms of appointment will continue, with Jon Hargreaves acting as Chair. Following the change, the 3 new members will join them as founding members on this Board wholly appointed by Scottish Ministers. It is also intended that Steve Dunlop, BW’s Director Scotland who will become Chief Executive of the organisation, will be appointed to the Board.

(GK)