Forth and Clyde this year?

[Mavanier]

Does anybody know what the score is with the F&C canal at the moment? I heard something about it being closed last year.
I know that the published depth figures need to be taken with a bucket of salt. What about mast cranes?

[aquaplane]

Best to ask them.

They did have some limited transits by hiring a crane last back end IIRC.

I heard they got a boat load of grant money but spent it all on the Calley. Also heard they are repairing one of the lift bridges but I thought that 2 were bust.

Ask Scottish Canals, they might know, but might not.

[cpedw]

There has been a long discussion on TOP, some of which may be accurate. I was left with the impression that a lot of dosh has been put up but it may not be enough and the time needed will be well into this summer, at least.

Derek

[Mavanier]

Thanks- might drop them a line closer to the time.
Tbh it's all hypothetical just now, we're pondering a new boat and looking at how to get her home. Surprisingly the East coast + canals route is only marginally shorter, but it should offer an easier passage with favourable prevailing winds. I assume that harbours/marinas up the East coast will be cheaper than the South coast, but then again the canal costs will outweigh that...

[cpedw]

I just found this https://stv.tv/news/scotland/1434509-fu ... ErBOSaAf7A on Facebook sailing cruising Scotland. The Caledonian seems to be safe if the work starts soon (someone on FB predicts a start tomorrow, complete in 3 months) but nothing in there for F & C.

Derek

[marisca]

From https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/news/b ... l-changes/

"Update 12 October 2018

Following the £1.625 million of additional funding from the Scottish Government, we are now able to carry out the works to both Bonnybridge and Twechar Bridges. Contractors have been engaged and installation works are scheduled for January/February 2019 with testing of both bridges commencing in March 2019. The aim is to have all works completed and both bridges operational by April 2019."

Still be too shallow for proper boats, though.

[sahona]

This from the RYA blurb https://www.rya.org.uk/scotland/news-ev ... dium=email