BW has made substantial investments in all its Scottish canals over the past year. On the Caledonian Canal the £20m programme to improve the waterway is nearing completion while on the Crinan Canal embankment and lock stabilisation works have been completed, timber freight has increased through Ardrishaig, and the Crinan jetty has been rebuilt using recycled timber from Caledonian Canal lock gates.

On the Lowland Canals many additional mooring points have been added, The Falkirk Wheel has reinforced its position as one of Scotland's leading visitor attractions, and the new marina at Auchinstarry is nearing completion.

Canal users are getting a good bargain, for revenue accounts for only 20% of the costs incurred running and improving the system.

The meeting was also told that Dr Campbell Christie CBE, who has been chairman of the British Waterways Scotland Group since its inception, has accepted the invitation to become vice chairman of BW, replacing Sir Peter Soulsby.

Campbell is the former general secretary of the Scottish TUC.