Works to replace lock gates on the Forth and Clyde Canal will now run until August.

In an update on the ongoing works along the waterway, Scottish Canals said this week that the re-opening of the Falkirk Flight of the Forth and Clyde Canal between locks three and 16 has been rescheduled and will now take place in August.

Navigation for boats along this section of the canal will remain suspended for the duration of the works.

Scottish Canals have been working to replace ten lock gates along the canal, and install a bypass at lock 16, since last year. The works were originally due to have been completed in “early 2026” with an expected end date in March, however this week the news has emerged that the project is facing delays.

Works to replace locks on the Falkirk Flight of the Forth and Clyde Canal will now run until August. It had originally been hoped the works would be complete by March.

placeholder image — Works to replace locks on the Falkirk Flight of the Forth and Clyde Canal will now run until August. It had originally been hoped the works would be complete by March.

A spokesperson for Scottish Canals said: “To date, we have replaced six sets of lock gates (upstream and downstream gates at Lock 16, as well as downstream gates at locks 15, 14, 13 and 12). Meanwhile, our maintenance team has over-planked the upstream gates on several locks to extend their lifetimes.

"We have also installed a new lock bypass beneath the busy Lock 16 bridge – an important step in ensuring safe and reliable water management along the canal in the years ahead.

"While the canal was dewatered and excavations were underway in 2025, we also carried out a series of inspections to ascertain the condition of the canal bed and structure. This gave us an unprecedented view of the embankments, masonry and clay linings – seeing areas of the canal that have been covered for many decades.

"The result was that we identified additional repairs were needed to the canal. With the scope of work increasing throughout the year, we have faced some delays to the project, pushing our timelines further out.

The works have seen parts of the canal drained to allow repairs to take place. It's also allowed assessment of the embankments to take place too.

"As a consequence, we have decided to extend the project timeline to August 2026 as the only way to guarantee the safety, quality and durability of the canal.”

The stretch of the Forth and Clyde Canal between locks three and 16 will be dewatered from February 16 for the next phase of the works.

A fish rescue will take place before the canal if fully dewatered to relocate fish in this section of the canal by capturing them and releasing them further downstream.

The remaining four lock gates of the ten will then be worked on.

Scottish Canals with the help of Forth Rivers Trust will be carrying out another Fish Rescue from the next section to be drained from next month.

The spokesperson continued: “From March to July, we will replace the downstream gates at locks 11, 10, 9 and 7 with a continued programme of inspections, repairs and over-planking.

"While the canal is drained, we will also conduct a series of asset inspections and temporary repair works at Lock 4. The canal will be rewatered by July.”

Locals are advised that a towpath diversion will be in place from February 9 to the end of the works programme this summer. Signage showing alternative routes to the closed sections of towpath will be in place along the canal.

Maps can also be found on the Scottish Canals website.

With more than 22 million visitors to the canals, towpaths and attractions like the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies each year, by replacing the lock gates and the related upgrades, Scottish Canals say it will make sure the waterway not only remains open for navigation but also remains in a safe state of repair for all visitors for several decades to come.

More than £5 million is being invested in the major programme of works between lock three at Grangemouth and Lock 16 at Camelon.