SCOTLAND'S Canal Capital is set to become a conservation area under new council plans.

An "under appreciated" part of Kirkintilloch could receive special protection under plans proposed by East Dunbartonshire councillors.

The area earmarked for conservation stretches from Glasgow Road to Townhead and towards Bellevue Road.

Historical buildings within the area include the 200-year-old Barony Chambers, the A-Listed Auld Kirk Museum, built in 1644, and St Mary's Church.

The town's main shopping street, Cowgate, would also be included, along with part of the Clyde and Forth Canal.

If the proposal gets the green light, conservation status would make the area eligible for cash grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Councillor Billy Hendry, convener of the development and environment committee, said: "The proposed conservation area designation highlights the considerable and perhaps under-appreciated heritage value of central Kirkintilloch.

"It will bring together the existing Peel Park Conservation Area and Bellevue Road Townscape Protection Area and attractive landmark historic buildings such as the Barony Chambers, Auld Kirk Museum and St Mary's Church. Achieving Conservation Area status can bring benefits to the town.

"It can help to manage the heritage and can also open up grant opportunities.

"There are also tourism benefits in being able to highlight the heritage value of the town to visitors and benefits to residents through a better protected environment."

Scenic Peel Park, which is already a conservation area, is also inside the zone.

It features traces of the 2000-year-old Roman Antonine Wall and one of the 19 forts that once stood along the wall's route.

Four years ago a bid was launched to get the wall listed as a World Heritage Site.

A decision on whether it gains the same status as sites including Edinburgh and the Taj Mahal will be made this summer.

Consultation and a public meeting will be held on the plans for the wider conservation area in the near future so local people can have their say.

More than £56million is currently being spent on regenerating Kirkintilloch, with a new marina the project's centrepiece.

In the 1800s, boats ranging from puffers and barges to industrial narrow boats were built in the town and exported all over the world for use on inland waterways.

East Dunbartonshire Council has also announced that Milngavie is set for improvement.

Money will be spent revamping the start of the famous West Highland Way as part of the council's Town Centre Strategy.