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 MoreScottish 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 MoreHuge 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
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