Interesting picture posted on the Great War Forum a thread about the
IW&D. It shows several of these barges moored, they each have a wooden
hut on the barge. It was suggested

"Just recently found this interesting photo on a local history site.
These "accommodation" barges moored on the Forth and Clyde Canal at
Craigmarloch (close to Kilsyth). The men appear to be Royal Engineers.
Wondering if they were part of an IWT training establishment. The chap
on the left appears to be older and wearing medal ribbons - probably a
pre war veteran."

I sent to a friend and he wonders

"I suspect that the men may have been involved in building the oil pipe
from the Clyde to Grangemouth which was built in the second half of the
WW1. Americans oil men were in charge of construction project but some
work might have been done by RE, The barges are accommodation for the
men, so doubt that they would stay in these any longer than was strictly
required. Given the ease to built huts on ground rather than adapt
barges, would suggest that the ability of these to move along the canal
was deemed important and so construction of the oil pipeline would allow
the men to move from site to site. Just a thought, will be interesting
to see what comes back"