A festival of free activities will be held in Inverness next weekend to coincide with the start of the World Canals Conference in the city.
The “#CanalMagic Festival”, organised by Scottish Canals and the Scottish Waterways Trust, kicks off at 10am on Saturday, September 17, at Muirtown Basin.
It will feature an array of activities, including climbing walls, walking on water in the aptly-named “waterwalkerz”, and the opportunity to try out rowing, skiff and kayak races.
A variety of food stalls will also be on offer, as well as traditional music, and a free canal boat cruise around the basin.
A model boat design and building competition will allow amateur engineers to put their skills to the test as they compete for the top spot.
The event is being held as more than 300 international waterway experts, business leaders and global professionals arrive in the Highland capital for the World Canals Conference at Eden Court Theatre.
The four-day event starts on September 19th and is expected to inject £300,000 into the local economy.
Steve Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: “Throughout the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, people from all over Scotland have been capturing #CanalMagic and celebrating everything that makes the nation’s historic canals such special places.
“From the water to the banks and beyond, the #CanalMagic Festival will bring all those incredible experiences together in a fun-filled day that encourages people to make the most of their local canal and showcases the best of Scotland to attendees of the World Canals Conference.
“After cheering on athletes in the world’s only uphill swimming race, watching The Falkirk Wheel be recreated in chocolate, and working with local communities to create a shared vision for the future of the Crinan Canal, the #CanalMagic Festival is a fitting culmination for what has been an incredible year on Scotland’s waterways and a fantastic way to kick off the World Canals Conference.”
Stephen Wiseman, Heritage Officer at Scottish Waterways Trust, added: “We are delighted to help deliver the #CanalMagic Festival.
“It’s set to be a fantastic day with lots of opportunities to try new activities on and off the water and appreciate everything the Caledonian Canal has to offer.
“We want everybody to get out and see what’s on their doorstep – there’s something for all ages, abilities and aspirations.”
