Charles Kennedy MP has warmly welcomed the decision by British Waterways Scotland to withdraw their development proposals for two new homes next to Telford House at Neptune's Staircase, Banavie.

Mr Kennedy had asked BWS - which owns and runs Scotland's 137-mile network of canals, including the Caledonian Canal which runs the length of the Great Glen from Clachnaharry, near Inverness, to Corpach, near Fort William - to withdraw the plans after local residents highlighted the impact both on the historic Telford House and on the staircase of locks which returns the canal to sea level at Loch Linnhe.

In a response to the MP today, Steve Dunlop, the Director of BWS said:

“Further to our recent correspondence regarding [the Residential Proposals Adjacent to Telford House, Banavie], I write to inform you that I have today withdrawn our application from the Highland Council.

“As you have expressed, the Caledonian Canal is an important public asset for the Highlands of Scotland. Indeed, our research shows it is making a proven contribution to local communities, regional tourism and economic growth across the Great Glen."

Mr Kennedy said:

“I very much welcome this decision by British Waterways Scotland to listen to local people and withdraw their plans for new houses alongside Neptune's Staircase.

“The Caledonian Canal is a unique and important part of our heritage - and Neptune's Staircase is one of its defining features.

“The communities which surround the canal from Inverness to Lochaber should be fully involved in decision-making about its future. It is important that we continue to invest in maintaining the waterway and develop its amenity value with sensitivity. I am encouraged that BWS intends to take that approach.”