More horses heads

VISITORS to the Falkirk Wheel may be aware of the two horses heads on the nearby lock, that nod as the lock is operated.

Two more of these 32 feet high 'nodding donkeys' as Victor Swift named them are to be erected, this time on the Helix Project on the £43 millions scheme to redevelop land between Falkirk and Grangemouth, Alan Tilbury reveals.

Waterway connection

The massive site is to be turned into parkland and visitor attractions, with waterway connection to the Forth & Clyde Canal, with the two 'Kelpies', representing the  mystical Scottish water-horses, which will be seen for miles around, including the nearby M9 motorway.

The waterway will include a tunnel under the motorway, locks and a winding hole, and when complete, the aim, it is told, is to attract 500,000 visitors a year who will spend £7 millions!

Increase boats

This project will massively increase the number of boats using the Forth & Clyde canal, it is promised from 200 each year now to 'up to 750'!

The Helix Trust, the organisation created by British Waterways Scotland, Falkirk Council and the Central Scotland Forest Trust to construct the project, received a £25 millions grant from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007, but nothing happened as further money was not forthcoming, with just a few footpaths and cycleways being constructed last year, though completion is promised by the end of 2013.