A NEW access route linking the Forth and Clyde Canal with Clydebank’s Centre81 community facility has been officially opened to the public.

Provost William Hendrie and Clydebank’s MSP Marie McNair carried out the official opening ceremony at the Whitecrook centre before members of the community and guests sampled the new link for the first time.

Among those present at the event were some of the local children who take part in Centre81’s packed activity programme, and who joined the Provost in burying a time capsule at the site which one day will paint a picture for Bankies of the future of what life was like in the town in 2021.

After the official ribbon-cutting, a community celebration was held with face painting, kayaking, community garden tours and bike maintenance, whilst food was provided by Café81, all to a background of live music and entertainment by Awestruck Academy.

Lynette Lees, the chief executive of Clydebank Housing Association, which owns and manages Centre81, said afterwards: “I am delighted that the canal path is officially open and that local residents can now make use of Café81 and Gym81 alongside the fitness classes and educational, training, volunteering and social opportunities which are available in Centre81.

“We sincerely thank all of our community partners who attended including Clydebank CAN, the Centre81 Steering Group, Isaro Community Initiative, Sea Cadets Clydebank, Peter’s Keepers and the West Dunbartonshire Council Your Community team.”

The day was also attended by representatives of the funders who made the project possible – Sustrans, West Dunbartonshire Council, Cycling Scotland, Glasgow Airport Flight Path Fund and Paths for All, through Transport Scotland.

Thanks also went to Scottish Canals who allowed a lease of the land to enable the project to go ahead.