Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, today emphasised the importance of the Caledonian Canal to the Highlands’ tourism sector. Jamie was speaking in a Member’s debate on the Caledonian Canal in the Scottish Parliament where he also referred to the canal’s history and called on Scottish Canals to continue to improve the infrastructure facilities for canal cruises.Speaking in the debate Jamie said:“ All of us can marvel at the inspired efforts of the great Thomas Telford and his colleague William Jessop for their pioneering engineering works which have truly stood the test of time. We should not underestimate the difficulties of the challenges they and their men- both locals and Irish navvies- overcame to create 22 miles of new canal- and 29 locks - through difficult terrain without the mechanised and advanced technology which civil engineers today take for granted. The Inverness Courier said at the time of its opening in October 1822 that it had transformed Scotland’s geography, with “the Western joined to the Eastern Sea".“ The history of the Caledonian Canal is genuinely fascinating. Conceived as a way to provide a short cut for trawlers and cargo ships seeking to avoid the long and treacherous voyage round the north of Scotland, it was also envisaged as a safe transport route for naval frigates during the Napoleonic war. The project also helped bring much-needed employment to the Highlands in the early 19th century and was the first ever state funded transport project in UK history, although sadly like many public sector projects in the almost two centuries since then it came in 12 years late and massively overbudget! It was much used militarily in world war one, especially in shipping components for the construction of mines through the canal on their way to Inverness from America, while fishing boats used it to avoid the route around the north of Scotland. And again it was used in a similar way in world war two.“ Today it is a very significant tourist attraction in my region as visitors flock to what is a stunning location for a canal boat holiday or any kind of cruising or indeed to catch a glimpse of Nessie. Walkers and ramblers can walk the full length of the canal on the Great Glen Way. These many hundreds of thousands of visitors contribute a great deal to the economy. They can all be sure of a very warm Highland welcome and I encourage colleagues who have not visited to do so. I am well aware of the 2 independent boat hirers, Caley cruises from Inverness and West Highlands sailing who are based at Laggan; the latter also incorporates Le Boat, a pan European company. Between them they have 34 cruisers and the Le Boat contingent are mostly from outside the UK worldwide. This is bringing in very valuable tourism and putting a great deal into the local economy. On a slightly sour note it is rumoured that Scottish Canals want to turn the Laggan car park which has always been free into a fee-paying car park. I think this is counterproductive and so also is using public money to build a café when there is one there already. My belief is that Scottish Canals should improve the infrastructure facilities for the cruises and the Scottish Government should make this possible through funding as I do not believe there are any canals throughout Europe which do not rely on state funding. Loch Ness is a great tourism draw but there are not enough places for boats to stop and stay over.“ And maintaining the canal in good condition requires constant work by Scottish Canals and is costly. In March we saw major repairs being required after a massive breach occurred at Cullochy Weir near Fort Augustus following extremely heavy rain. I welcome the recent announcement of funding to upgrade some of the canal’s towpaths including the Dochgarroch Loop which links Tomnahurich Bridge in Inverness and Dochgarroch. I am Honorary President of the Highland Disabled Ramblers Association who have been known to ramble with their scooters along the canal tow path; I am sure they will be delighted with the upgrade so their rides are safer and less bumpy.”