Inverness plans to push the boat out when it welcomes an international conference on important canals.
The Highland capital which sits at the north end of the famous Caledonian Canal, will help delegates from all over the world celebrate the major contribution that Scotland’s canals make to communities, tourism and the economy across the nation.
The World Canals Conference will be coming to Inverness in September 2016 and delegates will get to experience the stunning Caledonian Canal for themselves.
As the biggest event in the international waterways calendar, Inverness joins an illustrious list of past hosts including the Grand Canal in China, Montreal in Canada and New York in the USA.
More than 150 canal enthusiasts, professionals and operators from across the world will jet, sail and drive into the Highlands for the five-day event.
Under the theme of ‘partnership working’ Scottish Canals and others will showcase the range of exciting and high-profile projects along the 137-mile canal network.
This will include a look at how the iconic Kelpies came to life, how the Falkirk Wheel became one of Scotland’s top visitor destinations and the creation of Pinkston Watersports Centre in Glasgow – Scotland’s only urban white water course for amateur and professional paddlers.
Delegates from approximately 20 countries are expected to sign up for the event, attracting £300,000 for the local economy and showcasing the best that Scotland’s canals have to offer.
While details of the event are still to be confirmed, delegates will hear about the creation of an activity hub at Banavie to encourage more walking, cycling and paddling next to the iconic lock flight of Neptune’s Staircase, the eye-catching camping bothies being installed along the Great Glen Way and the masterplan process to transform Muirtown Basin in Inverness into an outdoor leisure and tourism destination.
The conference bid was supported by Transport Minister Keith Brown, VisitScotland, the Inverness Chamber of Commerce, local tourism group Uniqueness Ltd and the University of Highlands and Islands.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “I am delighted that Scotland will be hosting the 2016 World Canals Conference in Inverness. Scotland is developing a ‘canal culture’ which is contributing to our economy through new tourist attractions and regeneration of areas around the canals.
“The conference will provide an opportunity to showcase the developments which Scottish Canals has achieved in partnership with other organisations and outline the future vision for Scotland’s canals. It will also give delegates the chance to experience the many attractions of Inverness and the Great Glen.
“The Scottish Government provides £10 million funding per annum to Scottish Canals to maintain and develop these important national assets.”
Steve Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won the 2016 World Canals Conference and Inverness follows in the footsteps of Toulouse, Milan and the Grand Canal in China, demonstrating Scotland’s position on the international stage.
“The Caledonian Canal is already celebrated for its breath-taking beauty, the abundance of activities along and on its water and as a route to sailing the West Coast. However, with partners, we want to ensure it does more to support local communities, stimulate business and tourism in the area, preserve local wildlife and offer the best customer experience.
“We have a bold new vision for Scotland’s canals to safeguard the heritage of these ancient monuments and yet use them in new and exciting ways. By being more commercial, we will not only deliver what our customers want we will be able to contribute even more to the nation’s economy.
“Sharing best practice with our colleagues at the World Canals Conference in 2016 will not only bring visitor spend into Inverness, it will ensure that we deliver world-class projects on the ground.”
Graeme Ambrose, chief executive of Uniqueness Tourism Bid Ltd, said: “Inverness and Loch Ness Tourism Bid are delighted to hear that Scottish Canals have been successful in their bid to bring the World Canals Conference to Inverness in 2016. Our congratulations to Scottish Canals for securing this significant conference which will undoubtedly bring huge benefit to the local economy towards the tail end of the summer season.”