OBE for British Waterways' man

By IBI Magazine / David Foxwell

Jim Stirling, British Waterways director Scotland, has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the order of the British Empire) in The Queen's Birthday Honours list in recognition of his services to the countryÕs inland waterways.

Since joining British Waterways in 1992 Stirling has played a key role in the renaissance of ScotlandÕs canal network.

He lead the partnership team on the £84.5 million Millennium Link project - which saw the revitalisation of the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals and the construction of the Falkirk Wheel - and has overseen major restoration and development initiatives on the Caledonian and Crinan canals.

Commenting on the award Jim Stirling said: "This is a tremendous honour and is recognition of the immense team effort from British Waterways' people and their partners over recent years to restore and revitalize our magnificent waterways."

"I look forward to continuing this work and to helping develop the country's canal network into a thriving leisure resource for the people of Scotland."

British Waterways Chairman, Dr George Greener, added: "This is a well deserved honour for Jim. His passion for Scotland's canals is well known and under his leadership the waterways are once again becoming a thriving place to live, work and relax."

(23 June 2004)