Two canals in south Scotland - the Forth and Clyde and the Union - have been re-classified as 'cruising' waterways by the Scottish Government, following a public consultation.

It is the first change in status for either waterway since the Transport Act 1968, which led to the designation of inland routes as either commercial or cruising. However, both the Forth and Clyde and the Union canals were not being used at that point, which saw them included in a third category - 'the remainder'.

British Waterways Scotland director Steve Dunlop said: "This is a great testament to all the volunteers and canal enthusiasts who fought so hard to see the canals reopened ten years ago."