Scotland's first canal artist-in-residence is asking the public to share their memories of the nation's waterways.

Lesley Banks will be walking 137 miles along the towpaths of the Forth & Clyde, Union, Monkland, Caledonian and Crinan canals to create paintings that celebrate the 250-year-old waterways.

The artist is hoping the public will get involved in the project by sharing their experiences of the canals, whether it is watching the Clyde Puffers chug along the Forth and Clyde or reminiscing about the Monkland Canal’s glory days.

Once bustling transport arteries that helped fuel the industrial revolution, the waterways are now home to cyclists and social enterprises rather than coal scows and Clydesdale Horses.

Passing through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, rural villages and the bustling cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness, the canals attract more than 22 million visits a year.

The project will see Lesley showcase her work at venues around Scotland, culminating in an exhibition in May 2017 at The Park Gallery in Falkirk.

It has been titled ‘Gongoozler’ – a term for someone who takes joy from watching the world and it is hoped the residency will create a historic record of Scotland's canals.

Ms Banks said: "From the water to the banks and beyond, Scotland’s canals are incredible environments with over two centuries of stories to tell and I can’t wait to capture some of them as part of the project.

“Using the towpaths as a studio, I’m in the process of walking the 137 miles of the Scottish canals network.

"That experience, and the stories submitted by the public, will allow me to create five unfolding sequential visual journeys depicting the unique character of each canal. I’d encourage everyone to share their gongoozling experiences and play a part in the project.”

Leonie Bell, Director, Arts and Engagement at Creative Scotland said: “We are delighted to be supporting this residency which will provide the opportunity for the public to come together and share their memories of Scotland’s canals.

"The project will create an historic record of Scotland’s canals shaped by the memories collected throughout Scotland and further afield.”

Richard Millar, Director of Heritage, Enterprise & Sustainability at Scottish Canals, said: “From Neptune’s Staircase to The Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies, Scotland’s canals have been associated with innovative art and engineering for more than 200 years. Lesley’s project will celebrate that rich heritage and the vital role the waterways play in the communities that line their banks by capturing their iconic sights and stories. We can’t wait to see the results.”

Lesley Banks can be contacted by email at gongoozler16@gmail.com