It would connect two parts of the West of Scotland steeped in a proud maritime heritage, and help revitalise one of the country's most deprived areas along the way.

And now an ambitious multi-million pound proposal to link, by boat, the rivers Clyde and Leven with Loch Lomond moved a step closer yesterday.

A feasibility study has been conducted into the Lomond Canal project which, if given the go-ahead, could be a major catalyst in regenerating some of West Dunbartonshire's most blighted areas and encouraging tourism, according to British Waterways Scotland.

With the organisation and its partners, West Dunbartonshire Council and Scottish Enterprise, looking to the Scottish Government to part-fund the project, John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, undertook a fact-finding mission of the area.

In a government policy document six years ago, British Waterways Scotland was asked to explore the viability of forming a navigable link between Loch Lomond and the Forth and Clyde Canal.

The organisation has now drawn up a technical framework which, it says, could offer safe and attractive access for boaters and visitors between the Clyde and Loch Lomond.

The frameworks also allows for comprehensive prevention measures in areas at risk from flooding, such as the Leven valley, as well as adding to the long-term sustainability of the wider community. Iain Robertson, leader of the council, said that, while the project could cost up to £80m of private and public money, the return in regeneration terms - based on similar projects elsewhere - could be around £400m.

Suggesting that initial building work alone could provide vital employment for at least 10 years, he added: "It is a terrible irony that around here there are so many of the country's wonderful natural assets within some of Scotland's most poverty stricken areas."

The partners will now conduct further studies, including environmental and economic appraisals, before funding is put in place to take the proposal forward.

The provision of facilities along the River Leven and Lomond Canal will be key to attracting individuals, events and businesses to the area, say the partners.

Jim McAloon, operations director of Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire, described the tourism potential of opening up Loch Lomond to the Firth of Clyde as "enormous".

The project is also geared towards "reconnecting" existing communities to the waterside, say the partners.

If it goes ahead, mooring points will be developed at locations along the waterway to encourage boaters to disembark and explore riverside communities, thus contributing to the local economy.

Mr Swinney, who toured Bowling basin and Dumbarton harbour - proposed starting points for the waterway - said: "This is an ambitious and innovative project with exciting potential for the area in terms of economic, social and environmental benefits."