Scottish Inland Waterways Association facts for kids
The Scottish Inland Waterways Association (SIWA) was a group of people and clubs in Scotland who loved canals. It was a special kind of group called a charity. They worked to protect and improve Scotland's waterways.
SIWA started in 1970. People who loved canals were sad when the Union Canal and the Forth & Clyde Canal closed. They wanted to fix them up and keep them safe. They saw canals as important parts of Scotland's history, buildings, and fun places.
SIWA thought about joining another group called the Inland Waterways Association (IWA). But they decided to stay a separate Scottish group. The IWA even said it was a good idea for SIWA to be on its own.
By 1975, SIWA was even mentioned in a book! The "Shell Book of Inland Waterways" said that SIWA had a big goal. They wanted to see the waterways open again for large boats everywhere.
What SIWA Did
SIWA had many members, both people and other groups. These members helped campaign for important things. They worked on fixing up canals, protecting the environment around them, and solving daily problems. This helped both people who used canals for fun and those who used them for business.
The Association worked with British Waterways Scotland. They helped with groups that looked after fresh water and salt water. They also talked about fees for using canals and how to keep the waterways easy to use for boats.
SIWA also worked with British Waterways to help fix up the River Leven. They wanted to make it possible for boats to travel on it again.
Friends Across the Water
SIWA had strong connections with a group in Ireland called the Inland Waterways Association Ireland (IWAI). Every year, members from Scotland and Ireland would visit each other. For example, in 2008, the Scottish members visited places like Lough Erne in Ireland. In 2009, the Irish members came to Scotland to see the Crinan Canal.
Groups Connected to SIWA
SIWA worked with many other groups and clubs. Here are some of them:
- Bridge 19-40 Canal Society
- Edinburgh Canal Society
- Falkirk and District Canals Society
- Forth and Clyde Canal Society
- Forth Yacht Clubs Association
- Great Glen Canal Users Association
- Linlithgow Union Canal Society
- Royal Yachting Association (Scotland)
- Seagull Trust
- Sycharwell Project
SIWA was also connected to members of the Caledonian Canal Operators Association. These are companies that run boats or tours on the Caledonian Canal:
- Caley Cruisers
- European Waterways
- Jacobite Cruises
- Highland Voyages
- Caledonian Discovery
- West Highland Sailing
- Magna Carta Steamship Company
- Capercaillie Cruisers / Black Prince
