Pinkston Watersports opened in 2014 and was the project of Glasgow Watersports Ltd, a charity run by volunteer watersports enthusiasts for the benefit of the community. It consists of a big CLEAN water basin suitable for canoeing, kayaking and other watersports plus an exciting artificial white water course - the first in Scotland. It is situated on the Forth and Clyde Canal near Speir's Wharf in North Glasgow.
Clyde Region are lucky enough to have our own 40ft container which has a variety of kayaks, paddles, buoyancy aids, spray tops and helmets for the white water rafting.
We have secured use of the facility on Tuesday evenings between April and September running two sessions 6pm-7.30pm and 7.30pm-9pm for a very reasonable fixed price, with a maximum of 16 participants on water at once. Sessions are booked through Auchengillan's main office through a booking platform (the link will be launched here when bookings are open), equipment and instructors will be provided on site. This cost covers use of the site, equipment and trained instructors.
There is five minutes at the end and start of each session to allow for the changeover.
Costs & booking for 2024
Groups can book for up to 16 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts or members of Scout Network.
For all groups, the cost is £160.00 for up to 16 people, per one and a half hour session.
If you are unable to book 16 people, we can offer 8 spaces at £80 and we will offer the other 8 spaces to another group.
You cannot book more than 2 sessions in the year. This is to allow as many groups access to Pinkston. (If we have any sessions left after bookings are completed we will post on our social media channels)
You must email confirmation of attendees (incl. adults) with any necessary medical information at least 48 hours prior to attending.
Payment must be made at least 48hours prior to attending.
Bookings will open on the 15th February 2024. We will first allow those who haven't been to use Pinkston to book first and then move onto open bookings on the 26th February 2024. Booking is on a first come first serve basis.
A consent form must be sent to Donald Cook (donald.cook@clydescouts.org.uk) prior to the booking and brought on the evening for each young person (which should include medical information and confirmation of whether or not they can swim). This will allow our volunteers to manage any medical or other requirements and provide the necessary support on the evening.
This link opens The Scout Association standard consent form. If you have your own form that you normally use, you can do so, so long as it contains all of the information required. It needs to be signed by their parent/guardian where the young person is under 18 years old and the instructor will ask to see these. Please make instructors aware on arrival of any participants with medical information.
Kit list: Trainers or wet boots (no one will be allowed on the water without suitable footwear), Waterproof jacket (that they don't mind getting wet), Shorts or trousers (not jeans), T-shirt and jumper (must be long sleeved and not woollen) and a towel.
As ever training will be provided by centre and ourselves.
Interested in getting involved?
We are sure you will support this fantastic facility simply by utilising it to its max, but we are also looking for enthusiastic volunteers. You can help if you already hold or wish to gain the relevant permits- B1 Water for the basin and B2 Water for the white water kayaking Course. Help is also required as 'land support' - organising equipment for groups before the sessions, getting people on and off the water, co-ordinating adult support, overseeing the smooth running of events and storing away of kit after sessions.
For more information about Pinkston, check out their Facebook page.
Get In Touch
Email us, give us a call during working hours or connect with us on social media.
