A thousand hours on the canal
ALMOST two and a half years after her launch, All Aboard has reached the milestone of 1000 hours on the canal – that’s more than 200 boat trips along the Union Canal.
All Aboard is a widebeam boat run by Edinburgh- based social innovation charity People Know How in partnership with Polwarth Parish Church, the church with a unique city location adjacent to the canal. A joint consultation in 2019 highlighted the importance of the canal to local people and a project was initiated to celebrate the canal, its heritage and community. The custom-built boat was officially launched in September 2021 and hosts trips on the canal for community groups and organisations to support health and well-being, and provide opportunities to socialise, enjoy nature and be on the water in the heart of the city.
Volunteers
All Aboard also provides opportunities for volunteering as crew or helmsperson and has given those involved the opportunity to learn new skills and interact with guests, expanding their networks and horizons. July 2023 saw a unique collaboration for All Aboard as it hosted Borscht Voyage, fundraising for those affected by flooding in the Kherson region of Ukraine. The fundraising event made use of both All Aboard and Polwarth Church, with activities celebrating Ukrainian history and culture, home-made food including the event’s namesake Borscht (a soup made from beetroot), and trips along the canal. Collaboration between All Aboard volunteers, the church and a team of Ukrainian volunteers made the event a success, raising £1600.
Parliament
The All Aboard project has been commended by Scottish Parliament and featured by Songs of Praise and Scottish TV. Trips start from the boat’s mooring at Polwarth Pontoon, beside the church, and head out to Slateford Aqueduct which carries the Union Canal over the Water of Leith. The return trip takes around two hours and can accommodate up to 12 passengers. As well as fundraising events, all sorts of trips have been hosted, including concerts and exhibitions, canal cleanups and children’s clubs.
If you, or someone you know, is part of a community group, you’re most welcome on board All Aboard as she embarks on the next 1000 hours on the canal. To book a trip or check out volunteering opportunities, visit peopleknowhow.org