Conclusion of five yearly review into moorings and licences 2021/22

Scottish Canals have announced the five yearly pricing review of residential and recreational moorings and transit and navigation licences has been concluded.

Scottish Canals has had detailed discussions with Scottish Waterways for All (SWfA) throughout the pricing review and the following outcomes have been agreed by both parties:

  • By March 2023, Scottish Canals will carry out an assessment of boater storage to establish how they are distributed, with the goal of implementing a system for leasing storage huts separately across the canal network.
  • Scottish Canals will consider establishing a deposit scheme for potential customers who wish to be added to a waiting list for future mooring availability.
  • In low-demand areas, Scottish Canals may offer lower fees as an incentive to attract new customers.
  • The baseline residential percentage for marinas will be cut from 50% to 48.5%.
  • Auchinstarry will continue to be classified as an offline marina.
  • Four locations on the Forth & Clyde Canal will receive price increases phased in over the next five years to reduce the impact on customers, as these locations will face higher increases than elsewhere on the network. These are:
    • Bowling
    • Applecross
    • Southbank
    • Cadder
  • Prices will continue to increase in line annually with the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
  • Scottish Canals will work in partnership with SWfA to create a facilities improvement plan by March 2023 which will set out future investment in boating facilities and timescales prioritised by customer needs.
  • Scottish Canals will work collaboratively with SWfA to create a Customer Charter that outlines services customers can expect in exchange for the fees they pay as well as the public use of boaters’ facilities.

We have written to all our boating customers, canal societies and marine partners, signposting them to Scottish Canals’ website where the consultants’ report and background information on the 2021/22 pricing review can be accessed here.