Britain's official guide to canals, rivers and lakes

Thursday 4th December 2008

Falkirk Gets Ready for ‘Action Outdoors’

3rd Jun 2008

This morning (Tuesday, 3 June), a turf cutting ceremony signalled the start of construction of the Action Outdoors project, a partnership between The Waterways Trust Scotland, Falkirk Council and British Waterways Scotland to build a brand new activity centre for the Falkirk community to enjoy.

Cathy Peatty, MSP, Falkirk East at the turf cutting ceremony

Cathy Peattie, MSP for Falkirk East, cut a piece of turf at The Grange Community Education Centre on the Union Canal at Brightons in Falkirk.

A wide range of sporting activities based around the canal.

The new centre will provide Falkirk with a well equipped and staffed activity centre that will engage the community by offering a wide range of sporting activities based around the canal.

Work will commence on this approximately £1m project on 9 June 2008 with the hope of completion by October 2008.

The Outdoor Activity Centre will include canoeing, kayaking, cycling, guided environmental walks, angling, rock climbing and raft making, as well as training, teambuilding and self development courses, many of which will be based on the Union Canal.

Karen Moore, development director for Scotland for The Waterways Trust Scotland, said: "This exciting project began with the completion of a new slipway in 2006. The new centre will provide many activities and outdoor pursuits for the community to enjoy. The centre will also be ideal for group sessions like The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and John Muir Awards. The centre will make a real difference to people in and around Falkirk and beyond, and we hope that all facilities will be regularly use by the whole community."

Bring canals back to life

Councillor Adrian Mahoney, convener of Falkirk Council’s Environment & Heritage Committee said: "It’s very encouraging to see the potential of the canal network within the Falkirk Council area is being realised. Projects like this bring canals back to life for our local communities and the Council is very pleased to be a partner in this worthwhile initiative."

Richard Millar of British Waterways Scotland said: "The Millennium Link Project paved the way for further regeneration along the canals in this area. We want people from all over to make use of and enjoy Scotland’s canals. British Waterways Scotland is pleased to be involved in this partnership as the centre will be an asset to the Union canal."