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Union Canal Flotilla
20th - 22nd May 2022
About
As an intrinsic part of the event schedule being promoted by Scottish Canals and Scottish Waterways for All, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Union Canal, a major flotilla is being organised to take place on 20th - 22nd May 2022, encompassing the complete 31.5 miles of the canal, from Edinburgh to the Falkirk Wheel.
Two individual flotillas will commence at Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh and the Falkirk Wheel (and other intermittent locations) with the two separate flotillas converging and mustering at Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow on the afternoon & evening of Saturday 21st May for an early evening celebration event including BBQ & musical entertainment.
Two individual flotillas will commence at Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh and the Falkirk Wheel (and other intermittent locations) with the two separate flotillas converging and mustering at Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow on the afternoon & evening of Saturday 21st May for an early evening celebration event including BBQ & musical entertainment.
Flotilla Book
This booklet tells you all you need to know about the Union Canal Flotilla.
Includes Maps, guidance, timings, details of the individual muster points, host organisations etc.
CLICK HERE to open the book on-line, Print it, or to download it to read at your leisure.
20 - 22 May 2022
More Info
Best Dressed Boat
You are encouraged to decorate your boat to reflect the 200 Theme or events from the last 200 years. There will be numerous prizes / categories with the awards being presented at The Linlithgow Muster on the evening of 21st May.
Run, Walk or Cycle
Activity is not only on the water. Why not walk, run or cycle along side the flotilla (either individually or within your group or organisation).
Fancy Dress
Have fun celebrating the 200th anniversary with us by dressing up in fancy dress to reflect the 200th Anniversary, or indeed anything else you like.
No Boat
No boat ~ No problem. Jump on board your stand up paddle board, kayak, or any other form of water transport. The more the merrier. Or even contact one of the volunteer boating organisations like LUCS, and see if they are running trips within the flotilla.
News Letter
The Flotilla 200 newsletter will keep you up to date with arrangements for the big day, including information on the muster points, the muster hosts, and lots lots more.
Issued regularly between now and the Flotilla weekend (20th to 22nd May) as arrangements firm up, the newsletter will give you all the latest information direct into your email inbox.
You can subscribe here (and can unsubscribe at any time if you think we are pestering you too much !!!)
CLICK HERE to open the on line subscription form.
Event Programme
This on line Event Programme tells you all you need to know about the schedule of events and features on the canal and by the tow path on the Friday & Saturday.
Note that all timings are approximate, and the facilities provided are the responsibility of the muster point organisations.
Neither Scottish Canals nor Scottish Waterways for All have any responsibility to ensure that the events take place as proposed. Note that some events and features are weather dependent.
CLICK HERE to open the Event Programme on-line, Print it, or to download it to read at your leisure.
From the East
LOCHRIN BASIN, EDINBURGH
See about Lochrin Basin here
The Flotilla from the East starts from the Lochrin Basin in the heart of Edinburgh on Friday 20th May. Mustering from 11:30 (or earlier if you wish) the boats will depart at 12:30pm en-route to Ratho for their first overnight mooring.
Our hosts, co-ordinating a grand "send off" at Lochrin Basin, are the recently formed Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust, details which can be found in the on-line Flotilla Booklet.
But you do not need to commence at Lochrin Basin.
Along the route there are a number of intermediate muster points where you can join the flotilla. Each muster point will have stalls and entertainment for you to join in the fun, before the Flotilla heads off to continue their journey.
INTERMEDIATE MUSTER POINTS
Intermediate Muster Points on the route from the East are located at ...
Harrison Park, Edinburgh
Bridge 8 Hub
Rusack's Bridge, Ratho
Winchburgh Church Bridge 32
Port Buchan, Broxburn
Park Farm Bistro / Narrowboat Farm
See about Lochrin Basin here
The Flotilla from the East starts from the Lochrin Basin in the heart of Edinburgh on Friday 20th May. Mustering from 11:30 (or earlier if you wish) the boats will depart at 12:30pm en-route to Ratho for their first overnight mooring.
Our hosts, co-ordinating a grand "send off" at Lochrin Basin, are the recently formed Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust, details which can be found in the on-line Flotilla Booklet.
But you do not need to commence at Lochrin Basin.
Along the route there are a number of intermediate muster points where you can join the flotilla. Each muster point will have stalls and entertainment for you to join in the fun, before the Flotilla heads off to continue their journey.
INTERMEDIATE MUSTER POINTS
Intermediate Muster Points on the route from the East are located at ...
Harrison Park, Edinburgh
Bridge 8 Hub
Rusack's Bridge, Ratho
Winchburgh Church Bridge 32
Port Buchan, Broxburn
Park Farm Bistro / Narrowboat Farm
From the West
The Flotilla from the West starts from the top of the Falkirk Wheel. Boats are encouraged to rendezvous on the evening of Friday 20th May, ready to depart for Linlithgow on Saturday 21st. But you do not need to commence at the Falkirk Wheel ....
Along the route there are a number of intermediate muster points where you can join the flotilla. Each muster point will have stalls and entertainment for you to join in the fun, before the Flotilla heads off to continue their journey.
Intermediate Muster Points on the route from the West are located at ...
Bantaskine Boat House, Falkirk
Polmont
Woodcockdale
Along the route there are a number of intermediate muster points where you can join the flotilla. Each muster point will have stalls and entertainment for you to join in the fun, before the Flotilla heads off to continue their journey.
Intermediate Muster Points on the route from the West are located at ...
Bantaskine Boat House, Falkirk
Polmont
Woodcockdale
Linlithgow Muster
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Muster at Linlithgow
Congregating and Mustering from mid afternoon at the picturesque Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow, (home to LUCS ~ the Linlithgow Union Canal Society) the flotillas from both the East & West will meet for an afternoon and evening of fun, entertainment, and celebration. Admission to the evening function (from 6:00 for 6:30pm) will be by ticket only, with your ticket being redeemable for an early evening BBQ. Tickets will be released for sale in March 2022
- Date: 21/05/2022 03:30 PM
- Location: Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow, UK (Map)
Price: £10.00
Read More
Boat Registration Form
Register Your Boat On-line Here
All boats wishing to participate in the Flotilla must submit a Registration Form. Please register as soon as possible so that we know how many boats to expect. Use this section to open the on-line application form. You may (if preferred) ask for a hard copy to submit your registration by post or hand.
Learn MoreKayaks Paddle Boards etc.
Tell us about your group ....
While it is not necessary to officially register if you are participating on a kayak, paddle board or other type of craft (only canal boats need to register), it will assist the smooth running of the flotilla if we know what type of craft your will be using, and how many people are in your party / organisation. Please use this section to advise us ....
Learn MoreEtiquette
Please observe the following basic etiquette / good practice when participating in the Flotilla
- Boats to carry gangways & mooring pins
- Boats to be turned at Edinburgh Quay on arrival to be facing west ready for departure
- Boats mooring initially at Falkirk muster, to be facing East ready for departure
- Any boats joining the flotilla at intermediate muster points please be facing the correct way of travel
- Slow boats to allow passing, passing boats please pass starboard to the slow boat’s port side, slow boats to move to your starboard. Please do not attempt passing on bends.
- Help each other to moor, please don’t fight over moorings. Please observe and abide with shore marshal's instructions.
- Observe the speed limit
- Any breakdowns offer a tow to the next destination
- If there are any weed hatch issues please move to the towpath side and tie up to allow other boats to pass
- Please use your horns when entering populated areas to attract attention
- Please pass slowly when passing moored boats
- Please be happy and courteous boaters
- Please keep mobile phones switched on.
The Small Print
Please read the following Terms and Conditions as they could affect your (and others) enjoyment of the celebrations. please remember that the canal network is for the enjoyment of everyone, and there may be some using the canal who are not participating in the Flotilla. Please respect their right to use the canal and its surroundings at all times.
The Flotilla is not a race. There is no prize for being first to arrive at Manse Road Basin. Note that mooring at the basin will not be permitted until both the flag ship boats (East & West) have berthed at Manse Road, and VIP passengers have disembarked.
Mooring at Manse Road Basin (and the surrounding official mooring points) will be controlled by LUCS shore marshals. Please comply with their instructions at all times.
We will have maximum efforts to berth as many boats as possible within Manse Road Basin, but be aware that due to limited space, it will not be possible for all boats to be berthed in the basin. Additional mooring is available within walking distance of the basin. Please follow the shore marshals instructions.
Due to the expected (and planned) congested nature of Manse Road Basin mooring, departure from the basin on Saturday / Sunday will be difficult and time consuming. If you require to depart at a specific time, we would recommend that you use one of the mooring positions outwith the basin. Please advise a shore marshal if you do not wish to moor in the basin.
Note that entry to the evening event is by paid ticket only. Tickets must be purchased online in advance of the Flotilla dates.
All timings are given for guidance only and may vary on the day of the flotilla. Participants are encouraged to depart the Intermediate muster points behind the flag ship boats which will lead the flotillas from both the East & West.
Health & SAfety
It is important that all participants, muster point organisers, and spectators alike are aware of health and safety matters while participating on the water, or using the tow path.
The following "Risk Assessment" document has been prepared to advise all parties of risks and any control measures introduced to minimise all risks. It should be downloaded by all participating and other interested parties.
Any activity involving water incorporates an element of risk. Water and Canals can be dangerous places. The fullest care and attention by all involved is required.
F.A.Q's
How do we register a boat to take part in the flotilla ?
Registering your boat could not be easier. There is an on line registration form which can be found at www.boatregister200.live
How do we register more than one boat ?
You can register as many boats as you wish, but you need to submit an application form for each one individually.
Does it cost to register a boat for the Flotilla ?
No, entering the flotilla is free of charge ~ we just want as many boats as possible participating. If you wish to attend the early evening function at Linlithgow, there is a ticket charge which you will need to purchase in advance.
Do Kayakers or Paddleboarders need to Register ?
No, only boats are required to register, but we would like you to advise us of the type of craft you are using, and the size of your party / organisation ~ you can do so here. Paddle Boarders and Kayakers are welcome to join the flotilla at any time. They must still however purchase a ticket for the Linlithgow early evening celebrations if they wish to attend.
Can I change my mind about where I join the flotilla ?
Yes, the information you provide in the form is simply to give us some guidance as to the number of boats attending from a given location, but feel free to change your mind and join or leave the flotilla as you wish.
Why do you need to know the size of my boat(s) ?
Knowing the size of the boats participating will assist the shore marshals in mooring management at Linlithgow & Manse Road Basin. Note that you may not be able to moor at Manse Road Basin due to limited space available, and you may be directed to a mooring position at one of the official mooring points lying to the east or west of the basin. Please follow the shore marshal's instructions.
Will there be other boats on the canal ?
Yes, we sincerely hope so. The canal is open for all to use and enjoy, so you may meet oncoming boats, holiday boats kayakers, paddle boarders etc. Please respect them and comply with all canal etiquette and flotilla rules at all times.
Can I make a postal application to Register
Yes, to obtain a hard copy of the registration form, please contact ....
Scottish Waterway's for All
c/o Reunion Canal Boats
23 Lower Gilmour Place
Edinburgh
EH3 9NY
Where do I purchase a ticket for the evening function at Linlithgow
Tickets for the evening function at Linlithgow (costing £10.00 per head) must be purchased on line which you can do from this web site HERE, or directly through Eventbrite from this link.
You will need to show your ticket confirmation email to access the function and claim your BBQ
You will need to show your ticket confirmation email to access the function and claim your BBQ
Posters for Printing
A number of posters are available for organisations to download, print out and display. Simply select the poster, or leaflet you would like to use from the selection below, choose the required format (pdf or jpg) and download as required.
Use this poster to publicise the times the Flotilla will be in your area or at your Muster Point
Flotilla 200 Muster Point Flyer
Download this poster here either as a jpg or pdf.
Download Your Muster Point Poster as a jpg or pdf here .....
Image Library
Photo Library
This section gives you access to our on-line image library where participants can upload their own photographs of the Flotilla, or download any images that they would like a copy of for their own use.
Learn MorePress Releases
28/12/2021
Big year of Celebrations
Scottish Canals is gearing up for a big year of celebrations as 2022 marks the 200th anniversaries of the Union and Caledonian canals opening. To celebrate our history and the valuable contributions our canals make to Scotland and the world, we’re working with Scottish Waterways for All, local authorities, community groups, economic development bodies and tourism partners to plan an exciting calendar of activities including; flotillas, festivals and canal challenges to take place across the year.
Read More21/01/2022
Scotland celebrates 200 years of the Union and Caledonian canals
Scottish Canals is kicking off 2022 with a big year of celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Union and Caledonian Canals. Once the transport arteries that stoked the fires of the industrial revolution, today Scotland’s canals are home to cyclists, paddleboarders and residential boaters rather than coal scows and Clydesdale horses. The Caledonian in the Highlands passes through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes while the Union connects the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, both contributing to the nation’s rich heritage whilst providing green and blue corridors of opportunity for the future. To celebrate this landmark year, Scottish Canals is delivering an exciting calendar of activities over the next 12 months including; online experiences, canal challenges, flotillas, lighting landmark structures, local festivals and much more. All are being delivered in partnership with the Scottish Waterways for All, local authorities, community groups, economic development bodies and tourism groups.
Read More11/02/2022
Huge Flotilla Planned as part of 200th Celebrations
Huge Flotilla planned as part of 200th Anniversary Celebrations Scottish Waterways for All, working in partnership with Scottish Canals and numerous other organisations, have announced details of a large flotilla being planned for the weekend of 20th – 22nd May 2022, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Union Canal. Connecting Edinburgh to Glasgow, via the world famous Falkirk Wheel and the Forth & Clyde Canal, the 31.5 miles of the Union Canal passes through some spectacular scenery and passes over a number of mighty aqueducts, including the Avon Aqueduct near Linlithgow - one of the UK’s highest and longest – a true testament to the engineering skills in existence 200 years ago. The eponymous “Flotilla 200” will commence from both ends of the canal, with boats initially mustering at Lochrin Basin Edinburgh, and the Falkirk Wheel, before setting out on their way, the two separate flotillas converging on the Saturday afternoon at Manse Road Basin in Linlithgow, one of the original stabling and staging posts, and still home to the very active Linlithgow Union Canal Society. Pat Bowie, chair of Scottish Waterway’s for All, said … “The format of having two flotillas travelling simultaneously from both ends of the canal will provide maximum opportunities for local communities to not only spectate, but to get involved. A number of individual muster points are being organised where local organisations can host a festival atmosphere of stalls and entertainment, providing ideal locations for the flotilla to pause and join in the fun. We are interested in hearing from any groups or community organisations who would like to help out or host a muster point.” Scottish Waterways for All are also organising photographic opportunities as the Flotillas pass over the aqueducts, hoping to capture this unique event on film and TV. As Pat says, “It’s not every year you have a 200th birthday !!!” Flotilla 200 is only one of many events being hosted to celebrate this important milestone in the history of the canal network and more details are published and regularly updated on the Scottish Canals web site. Full details of Flotilla 200 can be found at www.flotilla200.live and an on-line booklet is available at www.flotillabook200.live giving approximate timings and the best places to capture views as the boats pass by. Ends
Read MoreContact
- 23 Lower Gilmore Place Edinburgh EH3 9NY
Emails sent to this web site will be received and responded to by Stuart Rennie on behalf of Scottish Waterways for All. Telephone & postal messages will be received and responded to by Re-Union Canal Boats on behalf of Scottish Waterways for All
Harrison Park, Edinburgh
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Harrison Park, Edinburgh
Harrison Park muster point is being organised by the Edinburgh Union Canal Society. Facilities included at Harrison Park will be announced shortly It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will depart Harrison Park at about 1:45PM en-route to the next muster point at Bridge 8 Hub, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, pausing on the Prince Charlie Aqueduct to capture some drone footage of the flotilla
- Date: 20/05/2022 01:00 PM
- Location: Edinburgh Canal Society (Map)
Read More
Bridge 8 Hub, Edinburgh
Bridge 8 Hub is the second muster point for the East Flotilla
Facilities include ... The Paddle Cafe, while it is an ideal location for Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks etc.
It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will arrive at Bridge 8 Hub at about 4:15pm, departing at about 4:45 en-route to the next muster point at Ratho
Facilities include ... The Paddle Cafe, while it is an ideal location for Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks etc.
It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will arrive at Bridge 8 Hub at about 4:15pm, departing at about 4:45 en-route to the next muster point at Ratho
Woodcockdale
Woodcockdale is the final muster point for the West Flotilla, being located just 50 minutes cruising time from Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow where the flotilla will rendezvous for the afternoon / evening celebrations
We are indebted to the 1st West Lothian Sea Scouts for providing this ideal location for the muster.
Facilities at Woodcockdale include ... (to be announced shortly)
It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will arrive at Woodcockdale at about 14:30pm departing at about 3:15pm en-route to the Linlithgow Muster
We are indebted to the 1st West Lothian Sea Scouts for providing this ideal location for the muster.
Facilities at Woodcockdale include ... (to be announced shortly)
It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will arrive at Woodcockdale at about 14:30pm departing at about 3:15pm en-route to the Linlithgow Muster
Park Farm / Narrowboat Farm
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Park Farm Bistro / Narrowboat Farm
Narrowboat farm muster point is being organised by the Community Moorings Scotland. Mustering space is also available at Park Farm Bistro where there is a winding hole, slipway, and wharf. Facilities included at Narrowboat Farm to be announced shortly, and with the Park Farm Bistro close by, this is an ideal location for participants and spectators alike. It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will depart Narrowboat Farm and Park farm Bistro at about 3:40PM en-route to the Muster at Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow
- Date: 22/05/2022 03:10 PM
- Location: Linlithgow EH49 6QY, UK (Map)
Read More
Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh
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Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh
The Lochrin Basin Muster Point is being organised by the recently formed Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust. There are lots of facilities available at Lochrin Basin with bars and bistros on the quayside, making it an ideal location to spectate and see start of the Flotilla. Boats and other participants should muster at Lochrin Basin from 11:30am, ready for the departure of the lead boat (Re-Union's Lochrin Belle) at 12:30pm. Please let the lead boat depart first, or if you are moored outside the Leamington Lift Bridge, join the flotilla as it passes you.
- Date: 20/05/2022 11:30 AM
- Location: Lochrin Basin Fountainbridge Edinburgh EH3 9QG United Kingdom (Map)
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Port Buchan, Broxburn
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Port Buchan, Broxburn
Port Buchan muster point is being organised by the Bridge 19 40 Union Canal Society. Facilities included at Port Buchan will be announced shortly It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will depart Port Buchan at about 12:15 PM en-route to the next muster point at the brand new marina at Winchburgh,
- Date: 21/05/2022 11:40 AM
- Location: Port Buchan, Broxburn, UK (Map)
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Winchburgh, Bridge 32
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Winchburgh Muster Point
The Winchburgh muster point is being organised by Winchburgh Community Development Trust. Facilities included at Bridge 32 being held in the adjacent Winchburgh Church Grounds include a Farmers Market and stalls. It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will depart Bridge 32 at about 1:40 PM en-route to the next muster point at Narrowboat Farm & Park Farm Bistro,
- Date: 21/05/2022 01:00 PM
- Location: Winchburgh, Broxburn, UK (Map)
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Bantaskine Boathouse, Falkirk
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Bantaskine Boathouse, Falkirk
We are indebted to Go Forth & Clyde, Falkirk Canal Connections, and The Seagull Trust for facilitating the muster point at South Bantaskine Road, Falkirk. Although early in the Flotilla, Bantaskine provides ideal viewing from the tow path before the boats enter the Falkirk Tunnel, while the Seagull Trust car park is to host a number of gazebo's and stalls. Look out for Go Forth & Clyde Boat ~ Jaggy Thistle ~ and give them a cheer.
- Date: 21/05/2022 11:00 AM - 21/05/2022 11:20 PM
- Location: Seagull trust Cruises, Bantaskine Road, Falkirk (Map)
Rusack's Bridge, Ratho
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Rusack's Bridge, Ratho
The muster point at the newly named Rusack's Bridge at Ratho is being organised by The Seagull Trust, assisted by The Sorted Group, and is the venue for the overnight stop for the boats traveling from Edinburgh to Linlithgow It is envisaged that the congregated flotilla will arrive at Ratho around 6:00pm on the Friday afternoon, departing for Port Buchan at about 10:00am on the Saturday morning.
- Date: 20/05/2022 06:00 PM - 21/05/2022 10:00 AM
- Location: The Bridge Inn, Ratho (Map)
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