17-02-2025
'Extremely disappointed': MP calls for popular festival to be reinstated
An MP has called for Kirkintilloch's cancelled Canal Festival to be reinstated.
The Glasgow Times previously reported that the famous event has been scrapped this year by East Dunbartonshire Council due to issues with funding.
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Now, Mid-Dunbartonshire MP Susan Murray has expressed her concern at the event's sudden abandonment, having attended and supported it annually.
(Image: Susan Murray (Image: LibDems)) Hailing the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival as a highlight of the local calendar and a celebration of the town's history and heritage, Murray said: "I was extremely disappointed to hear about the cancellation of the Kirkintilloch Canal Festival by the SNP/Labour council administration on East Dunbartonshire Council.
'The festival is a well-loved local tradition that brings families and our community together to celebrate Kirkintilloch's history and heritage and an event that I've personally enjoyed attending and supporting in the past.
'It is also a key date in the calendar for many local businesses, who will now miss out on the additional footfall and business it brings.
'The canal is synonymous with Kirkintilloch, cancelling the festival, without a plan to reschedule it, does not serve that legacy well at all.'
Murray added that she is keen to work with all stakeholders to see this key cultural event back in the community's diary.
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A petition has already been set up by a resident to reinstate the festival and when the Glasgow Times headed out to the canal, residents were quick to share their disappointment at the news.
East Dunbartonshire Council has been contacted for comment.
