Glasgow Canal Co-op is a collective of 25 organisations, businesses, enterprises and individuals based around the Forth and Clyde Canal in north Glasgow. A close-knit community, this group works together to unlock the waterway’s potential as a vibrant place for people to live, work and visit.
COVID-19 has placed a huge strain on the livelihood and wellbeing of everyone involved and at this time of great difficulty for all of its members, Glasgow Canal Co-op is working with key agencies and partners including Scottish 
Enterprise, Visit Scotland and other stakeholders to feed back on the challenges experienced and to learn from the experiences of others.
The Co-op has continued to promote the area around the canal and the many innovative and exciting things to do, maintaining the profile of the area to tempt people back when it’s safe for businesses and enterprises to re-open. The Co-op is profiling all the canal has to offer including its creative and cultural quarter, cutting-edge sports facilities, artistic spaces, event venues and urban nature reserve through digital channels, media and stakeholder channels.
At what is such a difficult time financially for many, the Co-op has also awarded a share of a £36,000 funding pot to a selection of local groups and initiatives for activity to help the community explore and unlock the canal’s rich history and create exciting new activities across the area after lockdown has lifted.
The Co-op is also celebrating fantastic examples of community spirit and togetherness from across north Glasgow including Young People Futures in Possilpark who have worked non-stop to deliver food parcels, and the costume team at Scottish Opera, normally based at Edington Street, who have been sewing scrubs for frontline NHS staff.
The area around the canal has become a hub for innovation, regeneration and creativity and the Co-op will continue to support members towards thriving once again.
(Update provided by the Glasgow Canal Cooperative)
