Lowland Canal Arts Project

Scotland's canals are experiencing a renaissance, a revitalisation that will bring many benefits for the people of Scotland. An intense period of construction activity has reopened the waterways across Central Scotland and the effort should now focus on making these waterways work for the communities through which they run.

Click here for a word document of the report (ZIP 30MB)

The Wall

The Waterways Trust Scotland is committed to bringing leading public art to the communities of Scotland and is raising funds to purchase an iconic bold stone carving created by the internationally renowned Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay CBE.

The Wall, which is ten metres long and two metres high, bears the poetic inscription "The sound of running water heard through the chinks in a stone wall revolution". The purchase of The Wall forms part of the Trust's goal to create a public art gallery space at The Falkirk Wheel. The acquisition of The Wall is a crucial and significant first step. It is a nationally important work of art and will be a visitor attraction in its own right.

The location for the sculpture has already been earmarked in the south basin of The Falkirk Wheel. This site was chosen by Ian due to its relationship with the canal and the Antonine Wall. British Energy PLC have agreed to sponsor the lighting element of the installation.

Ian Hamilton Finlay sadly died on 27 March this year. Being able to purchase The Wall and have it on public display would be a fitting tribute to such an innovative and imaginative artist who will be greatly missed.

For more information on this project please contact us.