Clydebank youngsters make a splash with kayaks
CLYDEBANK youngsters recently got in the water as they enjoyed kayaking sessions on the Forth and Clyde Canal.
The activities were organized by Michael McInally, a youth worker with local charity Y Sort It to show children “what’s possible on the canal”.
Additionally, the sessions gave residents a taste of what will be on offer once the new activity center, promoting biking and kayaking in the center of town, opens at the end of the year. .
Michael said the feedback from the sessions so far has been “fantastic”.
The 39-year-old said: “We did six different kayaking sessions. About 50 children participated and we divided them into groups.
“Some participated in the morning sessions while others did activities at Awestruck Academy, learning magic, games and stuff like that.
“The kayaking sessions consisted of short trips and games. Everyone loved it. All the feedback we’ve had so far has been fantastic.
The program is offered in partnership with Clydebank CAN who fund the sessions while Y Sort It and Scottish Canals offer them.
Michael said he would have liked more people to attend the sessions, but it is hoped they will run weekly over the summer.
The Whitecrook resident added: “We had a huge backlog of people wanting to attend, we just wish we could have had more sessions and involved more people, but we will be having more over the summer.
“The plan is to run these activities throughout the summer as the activity center won’t be ready until the end of this year, possibly early next year as far as I know.
“But we plan to run them every week if we can.”
In January, West Dunbartonshire councilors agreed to a contract to build around £1million for the new activity centre.
It is set to be located in Three Queens Square, next to the Forth and Clyde Canal, with the contract for a “modular and transportable building” awarded to Kier Construction Ltd for ten months worth up to £982,000.
The building will be managed by Y Sort It and mainly used for cycling and kayaking activities as well as a kitchen for food and drinks.
The center will also provide storage space, washroom facilities, change rooms and will be made available to local community groups.