Monkland: the rebirth of a canal

I first became aware of the Drumpellier / Coatbridge section of the Monkland Canal during the pandemic lock-downs of 2020.

With travel restricted to 5 miles from home I was forced to seek out a new, more local, location for photography and exercise.

On my first visit to the canal I was struck by the photographic potential immediately. Like most urban waterways it was filled with the detritus of modern life: bottles, traffic cones, the occasional shopping trolley, but behind this superficial blight I could see that the area had potential.

I was later to find out that a local group had come to the same conclusion and “Friends of Monklands Canal” began the long hard work of cleaning the canal and surrounding areas.

A work of passion for the volunteers, the project quickly grew in size and caught the attention of the local council, and Scottish Canals, the government body charged with the upkeep and maintenance of Scotland’s canal system. Funding came in, slowly, and improvements to paths, the introduction of seating, removal of weeds and general maintenance has helped restore the area.

Slowly but surely the canal has come back to life. Water Voles, a sure sign of improving water quality, can be seen regularly, sightings of kingfishers and otters have been reported and the ubiquitous swans, herons, coots and ducks are never far away. An early morning walk along the towpath can be rewarded by the sight of sika deer through the morning mist and the regular use of the canal by anglers testifies to the improved water quality.

The group have many plans for the future and the canal has great potential, so I regularly walk the route, camera in hand, recording the beauty of the area and the evidence that people really can make a difference when they put their minds to it.

This collection has not been exhibited - yet…

This collection is currently available for exhibition.

Exhibition comprises of a selection of up to 40 images (depending on venue size) from the series.
Professionally printed on Fuji Fine art photo-rag archive quality photo paper (300gsm) and mounted in a black heritage wooden frame behind anti-reflection glass. Image sizes include 12x8”, 12x12”, 24x12” and 16x12” mounted prints.

Wall mounting required.

Accompanying descriptive text, location maps and online purchasing supported.

The artist will be available for opening night at the venue, and can include additional dates for talks and presentations around the theme of the exhibition.

Currently limited to online print sales.