Edinburgh Canal Centre

In 1971 Ronnie Rusack took over The Bridge Inn at Ratho which was derelict at the time. He pioneered the Union Canal's revival by starting the first canalboat restaurant operation in 1974: this is now the longest established canalboat operation in Britain. In 1979 he began the Seagull Trust operation at Ratho with his friend the Rev. Hugh MacKay. The trust provides free cruising for the disabled in Scotland and now has additional facilities at Falkirk, Kirkintilloch and Inverness.

Developing the business at Ratho, Ronnie set up the Edinburgh Canal Centre in 1989 where he pioneered the format of Children's Licences in Scotland. The Canal Centre was awarded the first Children's Licence in 1991. Ronnie was awarded 'British Innkeeper of the Year' in 1993 in recognition for his service to the trade. The same year The Bridge Inn was awarded 'The Booker Prize' for best caterer in Britain, following on from other prestigious awards. Previous awards were overshadowed when Ronnie was awarded the MBE in the 1999 honours for his service to all aspects of canal restoration and work with the Seagull Trust Charity.

Ronnie has campaigned vigorously for the British Waterways Millennium Link Project. Its goals are very close to his heart and he is delighted to see the project coming to fruition with the re-opening of the canals linking Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Year 2004 marked the centre's 30th year of cruising - the first of their boats 'Pride of the Union' (the first boat to regenerate the Union Canal) was launched in 1974.

On completion of the British Waterways Board Millennium Link Project it is possible to travel coast to coast by canal, from the River Forth to the River Clyde and from Edinburgh in the east to Glasgow in the west. With the joining of the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal facilitated by the unique Millennium Wheel, boats from the Union Canal will be lowered 85 feet to the Forth and Clyde Canal. Our canalboats already offer a taste of the future with a variety of cruises on the Union Canal.

Both Canalboat restaurants seat up to 36 people comfortably. They are fully equipped with on board galley kitchens, fully stocked bars, fitted carpets, central heating and toilet facilities. In 2004 the cruising route will be west from Ratho towards the Almondell Aqueduct in Broxburn West Lothian or east towards Edinburgh. Both Canalboats are available for hire all year round.

New Increased Routes

Our restaurant boats are now able to offer the option for group bookings of cruising from Calder Crescent in Edinburgh through Ratho, Broxburn and Winchburgh to Linlithgow. This is due to the removal of blockages which have restricted us for the last 27 years. It is with thanks to the Millennium Link Project that this is possible.

'Ratho Princess'
Edwardian Cruising Launch

First launched in Norfork in 1923 as 'Prince', this motor launch was re-launched as 'Ratho Princess' after restoration in 1994.

Fitted out in true art deco style, she seats 32 Passengers comfortably. The fastest mover of the fleet she plies the canal from April to September for shorter trips stopping to allow passengers to walk on Britain's 3rd largest Aqueduct. With the expansion of navigable canal, she can now be chartered to visit Edinburgh and towns in West Lothian - opening up a new range of opportunities for exploration.

View attraction map »

Back to list »