AMBITIOUS plans to build Scotland's first competition-standard watersports and training centre for canoeists at the Forth and Clyde Canal in Glasgow were today backed by two 2012 Olympic medallists.

Scots slalom pair Tim Baillie and David Florence today visited the proposed Pinkston Paddlesports site at Port Dundas.

The £2.2million development is being driven by Scottish Canals, Glasgow City Council and ISIS Regeneration as part of a plan to develop the canal.

The partners aim to have the centre open by next summer but there's a cash shortfall of £1million and today the two Olympians visited the site.

This project is seen as an ideal way of promoting watersports and attracting young people. Enthusiasts believe it will also help Scotland maintain success for home-grown canoists on the international stage.

Tim, 33, who won gold and 30-year-old silver medalist David today urged potential funders to step forward and make the canal dream a reality.

Tim said: "There's a lot of talk about legacy and getting everyone to give sport a shot. We need the facilities and Pinkston will be the kind of place where everyone can give it a go.

Fellow Aberdonian David added: "Port Dundas is a great location with brilliant access for local kids. We need to get Pinkston open for next summer!"

Their pleas were made after they met children from the local St Stephen's, St Joseph's and St Patrick's primary schools along with community groups and canoe organisations and clubs who are also backing the creation of the training facility.

Steve Dunlop, chief executive of Scottish Canals, said delivery of the centre would be "a major element in the revitalisation of the Glasgow branch of the Forth and Clyde Canal." There are plans for a whitewater course with a 'playwave' feature and facilities for slalom canoeists as well as two permanent and two temporary canoe polo pitches. It will be ideal for triathlon training.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk