Transporting freight by canal represents a significant development as it demonstrates an alternative and environmentally friendly method of delivering non time sensitive materials (waste, timber, aggregates) that could considerably reduce the amount of heavy goods vehicles on the road.

Over the trial period the specialised freight barge will transport several tonnes of electronic and electrical waste at a time from Glasgow and Bishopbriggs to Twechar, with each boat movement representing the equivalent of 12 lorry journeys.

The canal trial is the first element in a three-strand freight action plan being taken forward by the Lowland Canals Steering Group which will see the launch of a freight barge building project and the development of a strategic freight strategy.

"This trial represents an important development in the council's aspirations to build the area's first ever reprocessing and training centre for electrical and electronic goods in Twechar, " said councillor Julia Southcott, convener of East Dunbartonshire's Development & Environment Committee.