Canal fund cash helps turn the tide for Falkirk community groups
Ten community organisations across the Falkirk area have been selected to receive support from the Falkirk Flight Community Fund.
Created by leading Scottish civil engineering firm Mackenzie Construction, the fund is part of a major programme of canal upgrades for Scottish
Canals.
It is a practical way of giving back to the community while works to replace 10 lock gates along the Falkirk Flight of the Forth and Clyde Canal continue throughout this year and next.
Fund beneficiaries – which include school initiatives, community groups and charities – will each receive a £1000 grant to help deliver eligible projects that make a difference in their local area, particularly those located close to the canal or with strong links to the waterways.
The Falkirk Flight Community Fund was launched earlier this year as part of the multi-million-pound canal upgrade currently underway on the Forth and Clyde Canal.
These works represent the most significant investment in the Lowland canals since the Millennium Link Project.
Following a strong response from local groups, ten organisations have been chosen to receive financial support.
They are Under the Trees – for a series of nature-themed events in Camelon, 1st Falkirk Scout Group – for upgrades to the local community hall, 89th Stenhousemuir
Scouts – to purchase new equipment and a canoe, Tamfourhill Community Hub – to support their Grub at the Hub scheme, Forth Valley Sensory Centre – supporting
their diverse range of activities for people with sensory loss, Carmuirs Primary School – for additional outdoor learning activities, Barnardo’s Falkirk – to support their
family group sessions, Safer Communities Youth Action Project – for their Youth Climate Action activities and provision of clubs for young people, Polmont Playgroup
– to support renovation of their Action Outdoors Centre and Falkirk Food Bank – to support their ongoing work for people affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Later this year, the fund will announce support for additional community groups through provision of in-kind construction and landscaping works provided by Mackenzie Construction’s canal site team.
Ross Speirs, head of engineering and infrastructure at Scottish Canals, said: “We’re in the middle of delivering the biggest investment in Scotland’s canals since the Millennium Link Project re-opened and reconnected the Lowlands network almost 25 years ago.
"Replacing the aging lock gates and installing a lock bypass along the route are vital steps to ensure the canal remains open, navigable, safe and sustainable for future generations.
"We are delighted that the programme has also resulted in a boost for such a variety of local community initiatives too.”
Gavin Chesney, contracts manager at Mackenzie Construction, added: “Giving back to the communities where we work is central to how we operate. The Falkirk
Flight Community Fund enables us to support projects that help local people connect, learn and thrive.
"We look forward to continuing that support through both funding and hands-on help as the works progress.”
The Falkirk Flight Community Fund forms part of Mackenzie Construction’s ongoing commitment to delivering a positive legacy alongside its infrastructure projects, working in partnership with Scottish Canals to support people and places connected to Scotland’s waterways.
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