edinburgh, glasgow

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EDINBURGH & GLASGOW UNION CANAL

Built between 1818 and 1822, the Union canal linked Edinburgh to Glasgow and the rest of the Scottish canal network. The canal is notable for being built on one level; the only locks were the flight of 11 linking the canal with the Forth & Clyde at Falkirk, the level was maitained by a tunnel and great aqueducts, some of which were designed by Thomas Telford. The locks were removed in 1935 and the canal abandoned in 1965. it was not until work started on the Millennium Link Project that the canal became navigable again. The locks replaced by the Falkirk Wheel, the Worlds only revolving boat lift.

RATHO
A canal side village, with a good canalside pub, 'The Bridge Inn', Good food and beer, plenty to see on the towpath, there are restaurant boats that operate from the pub. The Seagull Trust run two boats from here for disabled people. The canal has some unusual seats on the towpath and sculptures.

RATHO PICNIC SPOT
Good use of iron, almost vandal proof.

TOWPATH SEAT.
note detail on the backrest

CLOSE VIEW OF ANOTHER SEAT

'St JOHNS CRUSADER ll.'
a SEGULL TRUST BOAT.

MOORINGS AT RATHO.
Note the excellent towpath

MANSE ROAD BASIN. LINLITHGOW
There is a canal museum and tearooms here.

COMMEORATIVE PLAQUE PRESENTED TO THE LINLITHGOW UNION CANAL SOCIETY.
OCTOBER 2000 ON THEIR
25TH ANNIVERSARY, IT IS ON THE SIDE OF THE BASIN

THE CANAL SOCIETY'S TRIP BOAT
'VICTORIA' AT THE SOCIETY'S H.Q.

THE AVON AQUEDUCT.
From the River Avon

GLEN BRIDGE

This bridge is known as the 'Laughin' and greetin' Bridge.
It is said that the one looking towards Linlithgow is enjoying the antics of the canal boat trippers, whilst the other one is scowling at the vandals at the new locks.

NEW FALKIRK LOCKS

A VIEW SHOWING THE NEW FALKIRK LOCKS AND TUNNEL.

NEW FALKIRK TUNNEL.
Through here to the Falkirk Wheel.

SCOTLANDS ANSWER TO BOAT LIFTS
An artists impression.
See the real thing here