Crinan Canal - Closure February 2015

A Notice to Mariners has been issued by Scottish Canals in regard to closure of the Crinan Canal to through transit vessels for emergency repairs during February, please see below for details.

The Crinan canal will be closed to through transit vessels between 15:30 hrs on Tuesday February 10th 2015 until 08:30 hrs on Monday February 16th 2015.

Please note that any customer wishing to make full transit of the canal before the closure should aim to lock in on the morning of Monday February 10th to allow sufficient time to complete all lockings. The closure is to permit emergency repairs to the Ardrishaig Swing Bridge, the remainder of the waterway will function as normal.

Should you require any further information in regard to the closure contact the Ardrishaig office on 01546 603210

Able2Sail Fundraising Raffle

The FUNDRAISING raffle run last season by Ardfern Yacht Centre and the Crinan Canal has raised £331 for one of Scotland’s leading sports charities.

Run over the course of last summer and drawn on Hogmanay, the raffle, in aid of Able2sail, offered a free Crinan Canal Transit Licence as first prize along with a £100 in Ardfern Yacht Centre (AYC) chandlery vouchers and 2 weeks free on a swinging mooring at Ardfern, along with a host of other goodies offered by local Loch Craignish businesses.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who donated a prize for the raffle, including the Crinan Canal, Ardfern Village Shop, The Crafty Kitchen, Craignish Village Hall, The Galley of Lorne and O-Fish-Shell seafood,” said Bea Goudy, AYC Bookings Administrator and raffle organiser.

Offering many disabled people their first experience of sailing, Able2sail operates their own 46ft sailing yacht ‘Able2sail’ and a 42ft motor yacht ‘Jenny Rose’ and provides voyages for individuals of all ages and all abilities. In past years the charity, which is operated entirely by volunteer skippers and crew, has organised over 210 sailing and skills training days.

“It costs just £125 to give a disabled person their first sailing experience as part of a crew and with the £331 raised, at least two more people will be able to enjoy their time cruising this year,” added Bea.