On Saturday 14 May 2022, celebrating the impact of European funding on Glasgow and its contribution to the regeneration of the city after decades of post-industrial decline. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Millenium Link Project which saw the Forth and Clyde Canal, this wonderful waterway through Scotland’s central belt, returned to its former glory and paved the way for urban renewal along its banks.

The project was funded by contributions from the Millennium Commission, Scottish Enterprise, the European Union, canalside local authorities and British Waterways – a massive collaborative effort, unlikely ever to have been undertaken were it not for access to the European Regional Development Fund.

Since then, numerous urban renewal projects and green space initiatives have been developed along the canal banks and, even now, two years after we have left the European Union, the Smart Canal Initiative designed to prevent flooding continues to receive European funding.

The Millenium Link is just one tangible example of the impact of European funding in Glasgow. In 2016 MP Alison Thewlis summarised the contribution of European links to the city in this booklet: The benefits of EU membership to Glasgow.

Join the celebration!

European connections deserve celebrating – a canal barge will go between Kirkintilloch and Maryhill Locks; the barge will dock for a few hours at Maryhill Locks where there will be a party to raise awareness of the impact of European Union funding on Glasgow. Come along to the gathering on the canalside or book a ticket for the canal boat trip.

Event details:

Maryhill Lock Gathering – is free and all welcome light refreshments will be available between 12.30pm and 4pm.

There are limited places for the boat trip – which leaves from Kirkintilloch – so be sure to Book at Eventbrite