David Ross

Highland Correspondent

Tourists' plans for an Easter holiday on the Caledonian Canal have been disrupted by major damage to a section of the waterway, which is unlikely be reopened till the end of next month.

It means that the first busy period for inland cruising from Scotland's east coast to the west, will be hit by the news that heavy rains and snow melt have significantly undermined a weir.

This has caused a major breach of the canal embankment about six miles south of Fort Augustus between Loch Ness and Loch Oich, which is near the midway point of the 60 mile canal/loch system.

Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland Regional Partnerships Director, said: "This is very disappointing incident, and one which was difficult to foresee. The Caledonian Canal is an important part of the Highland's tourism infrastructure, and whilst it is unfortunate that this closure will take place over the Easter period, the safety of visitors to the area must be the number one priority."

Every year over 1000 yachts and cruisers sail on the canal which provides a route between Inverness and Corpach near Fort William where it opens out into the salt water of Loch Linnhe.

The 2500 plus who paddle their canoes and kayaks along the route each year should be able to get round the damaged section over the next weeks. So should those of 700,000 who visit the canal towpath every year, many on the Great Glen Way long distance walking route.

But now vessels sailing from the east will have to content themselves with the first stretch of canal and Loch Ness. Those from the west will have to focus on Loch Lochy and Loch Oich.

Audrey Hogan, director of Caley Cruisers based in Inverness, said that at Easter most of the company's 25 boats were due to be out on hire. She has been contacting those who had booked to explain the new limits to their cruising. "I have spoken to quite a few and they are all very understanding and appreciate it's not our fault, that it was an act of nature. We are offering them the chance to leave their holidays till later in the year or if they have a week booked, they can reduce it to a short break. At the moment most are saying they still want to come and do Loch Ness."

Meanwhile the small luxury cruise ship Lord of the Glens, which was specially designed for use on the canal, was scheduled for a cruise from Inverness to Oban next month. With 27 "State Cabins" spread over three decks and capable of carrying 54 passengers, it is the largest vessel operating on the waterway. Its owners the London-based Magna Carta Steamship Company Ltd, said they had heard the news about the canal and were now considering what to do.

Josie Saunders, Head of Corporate Affairs for Scottish Canals, said: "This is a major breach of the Caledonian Canal brought about by heavy rainfall and snow melt off the nearby hills and it requires a major civil engineering response. We are keenly aware of the importance of the Caledonian Canal to the local economy and are treating the incident a top priority." She said it was thought the repairs would cost around £200,000.