YOUNG people are celebrating after taking part in a “canal college” programme centred around the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Scottish Waterways Trust congratulated those who took part in the first 14-week course, designed to help young people on the path to work in West Dunbartonshire, Inverness and Falkirk.

During canal college, young people between 16-30 years of age, who are not currently in education, employment or training, gain practical work experience and a wide range of heritage and environment skills.

At the end of the programme, participants took part in a celebration held at the Falkirk Wheel, where they showed off their new skills for family and friends.

Martin, a young student from the area, said: “Through canal college I’ve got experience doing mammal rafting, landscaping; stuff I wouldn’t have got otherwise.“Before canal college I did a degree in Zoology at University of Glasgow. Because that was more theoretical ‘in the classroom stuff’ it was good to put my skills into practice.“I hope to use it to get a job outdoors. I’ve always been interested in working outside but never knew what it was actually about until I came to canal college.”

The next 14-week canal college programme starts in early September and recruitment is already underway. To join contact Alan Forrester on 07768 951740 or Lesley Scullion on 07789 941266.