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Union Canal

Notice of closure

Due to essential repairs being carried out by West Lothian Council to the concrete and waterproofing of their road bridge at Port Buchan, the Union Canal will be closed to both navigation and general towpath traffic from 5 January 2009 for 6 weeks. This only applies to the bridge itself, the canal will be open as normal either side of the bridge.
We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Canal

The canal is bookended by two great modern developments. At its western end, The Falkirk Wheel lifts boats up from the Forth & Clyde Canal in the world's only rotating boat lift. Then in Edinburgh, the terminus of the canal, the new Edinburgh Quay development is taking shape as a thriving canal centre for Scotland's capital.

The Union is a contour canal par excellence: there are hardly any locks, except for three near the Falkirk Wheel end, and simply aqueducts and tunnels to take the canal over valleys and through hills. As such, it is perfect for peaceful cruising or relaxed walking.

Boaters quickly leave behind the hustle and bustle of city and town life and enter the calming surrounds of open countryside and picturesque woodland where local wildlife abounds – from deer to foxes, herons to swans and even the odd hawk can be seen swooping low over the fields looking for prey.

Along the way there are a number of popular features including the Avon, Almond and Slateford Aqueducts, which are amongst the finest in Britain, and the 'Laughin' Greetin' bridge at Glen Village, famous for its carved faces on the keystones.

The impressive Falkirk Tunnel is 631 metres long and cuts through solid rock. It was constructed because a powerful landowner objected to the prospect of being able to see the canal from his house, the beautiful Callendar House.

Download a Guide and map to the Union Canal

Photograph Competition 2009

We have launched our competition with all new categories and prizes on offer. To find out more click here.

Click here for more info