AN 81-YEAR-OLD cyclist was rescued from a canal by an MSP who pulled him out of the water.

Bill Watson was cycling home from Bowling on the Forth and Clyde canal near Knightswood when he ended up in the water.

He managed to keep himself above the water and gripped on to something on the wall on the bank but was unable to reach up to get out of the water.

He was rescued by Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan SNP MSP, who rushed to his aid when he heard his cry for help while he was out running.

Mr Watson said: “I was approaching the bridge over the canal and I was looking out for any fast bikes coming in the opposite direction. I realised I was over too far to one side and I couldn’t get back over and then I ended up in the water.

“Everything was really heavy and I was up to my neck in water.”

Mr Watson an experienced cyclist of more than 50 years said he was shouting for help.

He added: Then I could see a yellow figure approaching. The look on his face when he saw me in the water was something.”

He said: “He got me out the water. I don’t know how much longer I could have held on there for without being pulled under.”

Two girls passed and they phoned for an ambulance while Mr McKee stayed with Mr Watson.

He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth hospital and treated for hypothermia and then it was discovered he also had a heart problem.

He was fitted with a pacemaker and released after four days.

The retired paper mill and glass factory worker makes the trip on his bike from North Kelvinside at least once a month.

He said he hoped to be back on the bike as soon as he is well enough

Mr McKee, who uses the canal towpath regularly for running said he will be speaking to Scottish Canals and the Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, to look at whether safety could be inproved following the incident.

He said at some sections under bridges there could be more barriers where the path narrows.

Mr McKee said: “I think there are certain spots where extra barriers could help. This is one of those, where the tow path goes down a slope to the bridge.”

He said he was seven miles into a 16 mile run and was thinking it was nearly time to turn round and back when he heard the shouts.

He said: “It was only when I was really close that I could see he was in the water. He was holding on to the side and still had a hold of the bike.

“I pulled the bike out first then two girls who were passing helped me get him out and called for an ambulance.

“He was freezing when we got him out.”

Later once he was discharged from hospital the MSP’s staff helped Mr Watson locate his bike which he though was lost after phoning round the police stations.

He was extremely grateful to get the bike back which he has had for many years.

He added: "I can’t believe I was pulled out the canal by a Member of the Scottish Parliament. “Ivan was really good and his staff really helped with the bike afterwards.”

The Forth and Clyde Canal stretches around 35 miles from Bowling in the west to Carron Shore in the east with a branch of around two and a half miles at Stockingfield Junction, Maryhill leading to Port Dundas.

It is owned by Scottish Canals who monitor and maintain the waterway and the towpaths who said there are dangers associated with the canal.

A spokesperson for Scottish Canals said: “We hope the individual concerned is now safe and well. This was undoubtedly a frightening experience but it highlights the dangers associated with an open body of water such as a canal.

“We take safety incredibly seriously but installing barriers along the canal is not always the best solution as they can make it difficult for water-based users, such as paddlers and boaters, to exit the canal in an emergency.

“However, we do work closely with community organisations and user groups throughout the year to promote our Towpath Code of Conduct and Canal Careful campaign, which was launched this year, highlighting the hazards associated with open bodies of water.

“We will continue to encourage all users to be mindful when travelling on or along the canal.”