THERE is to be no canal access to the Kelpies for four months.
This is a major attraction at the eastern end of the Forth & Clyde Canal where it joins the Firth of Forth.
Lost lucrative period
It is the closure of the 15 locks near Falkirk this month until March of next year that is causing concern as it means the lucrative Christmas period will be missed.
But the 16 locks flight leading to the attraction requires new gates for some of the locks,
The problem is that the Scottish Government has not yet been forthcoming with the cash that was promised for Scottish Canals to complete the work on the flight much more quickly with the attraction not being closed for so long.
Cash still needed
Funding is now available for the five sets of lock gates that need installing, but cash is still needed to be found to cover the cost of their installation.
Only the gates' condition has been investigated and, owing to their unusual construction, as they are uncovered, it is not known what will be discovered, and it is this uncertainly that dictates such an extended closure, as current diving investigations can only determine the extent of lock-related works from what can be seen.