Caledonian Canal Sails To Number 1 Spot
20 November 2008
The Caledonian Canal has come out top in Le Boat's customer satisfaction survey 2008.
The Caledonian Canal beat off stiff competition to take first place in the ‘Best Overall Holiday Experience’ category, beating 40 other boatyards and canals spanning as far afield as Berlin and Venice.
The survey is issued to customers who have sailed on the Caledonian Canal asking holidaymakers to rate their experience.
Whether it is sailing, canoeing, fishing, cycling, jogging or walking, the Caledonian Canal offers a great way to spend time discovering the beautiful scenery and there are many activities available for everyone to get involved in.
Russell Thomson, Highlands canal manager said: “We are really pleased that the canal has been awarded such an accolade. Our job is to make sure that all visitors to the canal have the best time possible and coming top in this category proves to us that the Caledonian Canal is providing a fantastic holiday experience for everyone to enjoy.
“We always appreciate the feedback from our visitors and it means that we can continue to improve our offerings to them. For example, we recently introduced WiFi at a selection of locations along the canal, which is all part of making Scotland’s biggest asset, the canals, accessible to all.”
Considered by many as one of the greatest waterways of the world, the natural beauty of the 60-mile long Caledonian Canal is a refreshing backdrop to any day out or holiday.
Ray Norris, manager of West Highland Sailing which provides hire yachts and cruisers for holidaymakers, said: “We are delighted that the Caledonian Canal has been recognised as one of the best locations for holidaymakers to visit on their sailing holidays.
“We have a fleet of 6 yachts and 24 cruisers available for people to hire on the Caledonian Canal, so the results of this survey are a further testament to us that this is a winning combination.
“As the cruising range is restricted to non-tidal waters between Inverness and Fort William, previous boating experience is not essential, so we often provide boats to both novices and expert sailors who come to the canal for their holiday.”
The Caledonian Canal is part of Scotland’s 200 year old canal network, and plays host to a variety of events year round. To find out more about making your next holiday a boating trip on the Caledonian Canal visit www.scottishcanals.co.uk.
Ends
For further information:
Paula McNulty or Stacey Bell
Weber Shandwick
T: 0131 556 6649
M: 07770 886924 / 07824990614
E: pmcnulty@webershandwick.com/sbell@webershandwick.com
Notes to Editors
British Waterways Scotland
Responsibility for inland waterways in Scotland is a devolved matter, with funding for British Waterways' Scottish activities coming from the Scottish Government. In Scotland the 137-mile (220km) canal network includes the Caledonian, Crinan, Forth & Clyde, Union and Monkland canals.
British Waterways Scotland works in partnerships with local authorities, voluntary groups, private companies and other government agencies to protect and enhance the waterways and benefit the communities through which they run.
The organisation balances the conservation of the country’s heritage and environment with developing commercial opportunities to generate income to reinvest in the waterways for further sustainable regeneration.
Millions of people enjoy Scotland’s inland waters for recreational activity, sports and leisure. Safety is British Waterway’s top priority. Water safety advice and information on the safe use of Scotland’s canals – both on water and waterside – can be found on our websites.
www.britishwaterways.co.uk
www.waterscape.com
www.scottishcanals.co.uk
www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk