Boaters visiting the Crinan Canal, ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut,’ will be able to enjoy all the comforts of home alongside its breathtaking scenery after the official opening of a new facilities building.
The modern, environmentally-friendly block at Crinan Basin features toilets, showers, laundry room, and an outside terrace, all with full disabled access. The opening of the block marks a significant upgrade to boaters’ facilities on the popular waterway.
The £360,000 project, undertaken by Scottish Canals and partly funded by the European Union, is an outcome of the Sail West – Malin Waters marine tourism initiative, which is designed to promote the west coast of Scotland, Northern Ireland and North West Ireland as a world-class sailing destination.
Joe Murphy, Crinan Canal Waterway Manager at Scottish Canals, said: “The Crinan Canal and the surrounding area offer world class sailing amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. The new facilities block is a fantastic addition to the area that will have a positive impact on both the local economy and the comfort of those who visit the waterway.
“Thanks to funding from the European Union and the support of our Sail West partners, this project will improve the boating experience on the Crinan Canal and I’m confident the new facilities will encourage even more crews to come and enjoy everything Crinan has to offer.”
In-keeping with the canal’s status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, limiting the environmental impact of the project was a key aim of Scottish Canals and the new block has been specifically designed to fit with the picturesque beauty of the surrounding woodlands and waterway.
Utilising an innovative Sedum living roof system and Scottish larch panelling, as well as a range of low and zero carbon technologies such as LED lighting, warmth recovery systems and under floor heating, the new block complements its surroundings and features a wealth of environmentally-friendly designs.
Garry Martin of Donegal County Council, who attended the launch, was delighted with the new facilities. He said: “One of the aims of the Sail West EU INTERREG funded project is to ensure that marinas, ports and harbours in the MalinWaters regions of North West Ireland, Western Scotland and Northern Ireland offer world class facilities for all visitors.
“I am very pleased that the new facilities at Crinan are modern, eco-friendly, include disabled access and cater to a wide range of visitor requirements. This is an excellent achievement, which will benefit visitors and boost the local economy. We wish Scottish Canals every success in the future.”
by:
Chris McDonald at Scottish Canals
