A £1.3m project to upgrade towpaths throughout Scotland's canal network has been completed.

The investment, which has been supported by Scottish Canals, Sustrans, Falkirk Council, Glasgow City Council and the West Lothian Landfill Trust, has allowed more than 10km of towpaths to be upgraded at seven locations in the country over the last year.

In addition to the above, a new towpath has also been opened along the Forth & Clyde Canal extension, which runs from the River Carron in the east, under the M9 motorway to The Kelpies.

The new path connects more than 27km of routes in the 350-hectare Helix parkland and has created opportunities for leisure and recreational activities such as walking, cycling and angling.

Welcoming the announcement, Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "I am delighted to open this new towpath at the Helix which will hopefully encourage more people to walk and cycle through Scotland's scenic canal network.


"I also welcome the £1.3m investment by Scottish Canals and partners over the last 12 months for the upgrading of Scotland's towpaths network, which will provide active travel routes and help to link rural communities.

"This Scottish Government is committed to increasing the numbers of people walking and cycling for everyday journeys as well as promoting Scotland as a top tourist destination for cycling. Since 2011, we have also contributed over £1 million to the network through Sustrans' Community Links Fund."

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."

Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity invested almost £700,000 in the project, 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. While the sites that benefited from the investment include Ardrishaig on the Crinan Canal, Knightswood in Glasgow, Castlecary and Glen Village near Falkirk, Camelon near The Falkirk Wheel, The Helix towpath, Broxburn on the Union Canal and Linlithgow.

(JP/CD)