New opportunities for Young Scots on Scotland’s canal network
At the 20th anniversary celebrations of The Falkirk Wheel, Scottish Canals and Young Scot signed a new partnership to reward Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) holders for visiting the nations inland waterways.
Scottish Canals’ CEO, Catherine Topley, and our CEO, Kirsten Urquhart, have signed a new partnership between the organisations that will give Young Scot NEC holders not only exclusive discounts but also rewards and money-can't-buy experiences.
This summer, our partnership will see us come together to engage young people across the nations publicly owned heritage assets on the canal network.
Catherine Topley, CEO of Scottish Canals, said “This year Scottish Canals celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Union and Caledonian canals. Whilst we remember the last two hundred years of the waterway flowing through the nation, this agreement is about the future of Scotland’s canals and the next generation of those who will live work and play along the waterways.
Our partnership with Young Scot will strengthen Scottish Canals’ links with under 25s across the country, engaging them on future projects and our vision for the future ensuring the waterways are accessible, exciting and enjoyable.”
The agreement was signed by both CEOs during the Revolution Festival at The Falkirk Wheel, a fun filled family day of activities celebrating the 20th anniversary of the world’s first – and only – rotating boat lift. The event not only marked the return of the hugely popular Revolution Festival, but also the reopening of the Forth & Clyde and Union canals in 2002. The festival garnered support from Forth Valley and further afield as families flocked to the event to take part in activities both on and off the water.
During the event, we also hosted an engagement stand. Our team was sharing information about the available opportunities, discounts and Rewards via the Young Scot National Entitlement Card (Young Scot NEC) as well as how young people can access a Young Scot NEC. As part of the Young Person’s Free Bus Travel Scheme, young people can use their Young Scot NEC to travel to the canals and other sites across Scotland. Further information about how to apply for the scheme can be found on freebus.scot.
Kirsten Urquhart, CEO of Young Scot, said: “Young Scot are delighted to be partnering with Scottish Canals to ensure that young people play an important role in making our Scottish waterways feel like a place for them, a place they can connect and have fun! We are also delighted that through our partnership we will be opening up new experiences for young people via the Young Scot NEC with discounts, rewards and opportunities.”