Future-proofing Scotland’s Canals: Vital Winter Works
Each winter, Mackenzie Construction plays a crucial role in preserving and enhancing Scotland’s historic canal network, working alongside Scottish Canals to carry out essential winter works including maintenance and upgrades. This winter, the team tackled key projects along the Caledonian and Crinan Canals, ensuring these iconic waterways remain safe, efficient, and future-ready.
At Fort Augustus, the primary works focused on upgrading the lock gate cills—raised sections on the floor of the lock chamber against which the lock gates seal shut. The installation of new steel cills is expected to improve the efficiency and longevity of the lock gates, enhance water management, and provide a better experience for visitors and boaters.
Mark Wilson, Construction Director at Mackenzie Construction, commented:
“Year in, year out, our team works tirelessly through often harsh winter conditions to keep the canal network safe and operational for everyone to enjoy. Our team at Fort Augustus put in an incredible effort over the winter months and successfully delivered the programme ahead of schedule.”
Further along the Caledonian Canal, at Corpach, the team completed maintenance work on another set of lock gates, undertaking a full gate life extension and refit. As part of this, over 600 bolts were replaced, helping to futureproof the structure against age-related deterioration and corrosion.
Meanwhile, works are ongoing at Crinan following three years of winter programmes that have seen Mackenzie Construction working closely with Scottish Canals’ operational team to replace life-expired lock gates 12, 13, 14 and 15.
Danny Brown, Site Agent at Mackenzie Construction, said:
“Whilst the winter conditions can sometimes be challenging, the work we do across the canal network is both impressive and rewarding. Working on these historic waterways is always interesting, but seeing the level of skill and engineering involved in upgrading and maintaining them is what makes these projects enjoyable.”
At Crinan, the 2024/2025 winter programme has seen the most challenging scope of works yet with the replacement of the sea lock, Lock 15. One of the primary challenges lay in determining where to position the crane that was essential for completing the installation. The only viable location with the necessary lifting capacity was on the public access loop road surrounding Crinan Village which posed a significant issue, as it would obstruct both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, impacting local residents, businesses, and tourism. With crane operations expected to last around three months, it was clear that a more sustainable and less disruptive solution was needed.
In response, we designed, constructed, and installed a temporary platform capable of supporting the crane required for the lock gate installation. Drawing on over two decades of experience in canal infrastructure, we also proposed adapting the platform for reuse on future projects offering both an immediate and long-term benefit to the client.
Danny Brown added:
“This innovative solution was a first for Scottish Canals, Mackenzie Construction, and the wider industry. It’s a testament to our commitment to delivering solutions that support not only the project and client, but also the community and environment.”
The focus at Crinan has now shifted to reinstating and improving areas around the basin that have been affected by the major engineering works over the past two years. Throughout the programme of work at Crinan we have been focused on engaging the community at all levels and the final design for the landscaping works will be influenced by Scottish Canals’ community engagement sessions. Last year, we were also proud to launch the Crinan Community Fund which saw Mackenzie Construction supporting several local causes.
Mark Wilson added:
“I’d like to personally extend a massive thank you to all our teams who have worked throughout the winter months to deliver an impressive scope of work across Fort Augustus, Corpach and Crinan and to our partners at Scottish Canal for their collaboration and support. It’s always rewarding to see the canals reopen for the summer season, knowing we’ve worked closely with Scottish Canals to ensure these spaces are safe, operational and future-proofed for generations to come.”
Richard Millar, Chief Operating Officer, at Scottish Canals shared:
“Our 2024/2025 winter works programme included some of our most challenging canal engineering projects to date – all completed in partnership with our principal contractor Mackenzie Construction. From lock bypasses, masonry repairs and lock gate refurbishments – the work was highly complex, involved a high degree of interaction with the public, and was subject to a variety of heritage, environmental and public safety legislation. The team at Mackenzie Construction were reliable, supportive, and responsive to changing needs and circumstances throughout.”