PLANS for a £70million canal to connect Loch Lomond to the River Clyde are being developed.

The five-mile waterway, which would be Scotland's first new canal in nearly 200 years, would run from Dumbarton harbour to the River Leven barrage at Balloch.

It would link the sailing areas of the Clyde estuary with the loch for the first time.

Last month, officials from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency met those from organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Canals, and West Dunbartonshire Council to discuss environmental concerns surrounding the projects.

Work on the project would be expected to last several years.

A spokesman for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency said: "Discussions are still at an early stage and all parties have been advised of the environmental issues that must be addressed before any formal applications are submitted."

It is understood the canal would run alongside the River Leven, which flows from Loch Lomond, at Balloch, through the towns of Alexandria and Vale Of Leven to the River Clyde at Dumbarton.

There has not been a new canal built in Scotland since 1818, when the Union Canal was constructed.

Steve Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said: "We have done a considerable amount of work on the design of the Lomond Canal and have researched the engineering practicalities.

"The project is in the very early stages and further work is needed to establish the ecological effects of any construction.

"Further analysis is also needed with partners to identify a lead organisation and to determine the economic and social benefits this project could bring."

A spokesman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: "The canal has been an ambition of the council for a number of years."

rebecca.gray@ eveningtimes.co.uk