Scotland’s canals debated at parliament

THE Union Canal’s 200th anniversary was debated in the Scottish Parliament following the First Minister’s Question Time on Thursday, May 19.

The member’s business debate was raised by Fiona Hyslop to celebrate the 200th anniversary and its contributions to Scotland. Many MSPs spoke during the debate (the Union and Forth & Clyde Canals run through many Scottish Government constituencies), with namechecks given to the many individuals and canal societies and organisations involved with the canals, both in its past and now, in the present.

While a Scottish parliament chamber and committees report might not be chosen reading for many, the debate gives a potted history of the canal, its restoration, today’s canal-based activities, and the proven benefits of these inland waterways to local communities.

Visit https://tinyurl. com/ chamberdebate to read the transcript in full or to pick out highlights.