New lights brighten outlook at Inverness

Visitors to the historic Muirtown Lock Flight on the Caledonian Canal at Inverness are in for an illuminating experience following the installation of a stunning new lighting system.

A network of lights under the lock gate walkways combined with ten Victorian lampposts have given the 200 year old Thomas Telford designed structure, the canal banks and lock sides a spectacular new look during the hours of darkness.

Peter Chesson, electrical engineer for the Caledonian Canal said: ‘The lighting on Muirtown flight has been installed to improve the safety of pedestrians during the hours of darkness. It is testament to our design engineers that it is already becoming popular with both the local community and tourists as an attractive feature in its own right.”

The lighting scheme, which was funded by a Landfill Tax Credit donation from the Highland Council and a grant from Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, is primarily intended to highlight the deep water in the lock chambers.

Building on the success of a similar scheme launched two years ago at Neptune’s Staircase near Fort William also on the Caledonian, British Waterways also hopes that the lighting will become established as a tourist attraction and will be an asset to the local community and businesses in the area.