Canal anniversaries and accolades

THIS year is the 200th anniversary of both the Union and the Caledonian Canals.

Flotilla 200, organised by Scottish Canals and Scottish Waterways for All, saw lots of folk and boats from the centre of Edinburgh and the west converge on LUCS’ Linlithgow Canal Centre at Manse Road Basin.

On Friday, May 20 , boats departed from Lochrin Basin and headed to the first stop at Harrison Park ,where the world premiere of Union Caledonian 200 was performed onboard Panacea, the Sorted Project’s wide beam, before heading to Ratho for the night.

Saturday saw the flotilla officially launched by Edward Green, the

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh. Crowds turned out at Winchburgh, Port Buchan and other points along the way, culminating in an evening event with a barbecue, live music, and a celebratory cake.

PHOTO: STUART RENNIE/SCOTTISH WATERWAYS FOR ALL On board at Ratho are (from left): Gordon MacDonald MSP, Coun Fiona Glasgow, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh Edward Green, and Richard Millar, chief operating officer Scottish Canals.

PHOTO: STUART RENNIE/SCOTTISH WATERWAYS FOR ALL Plenty line the towpath as the flotilla moors at Harrison Park.

PHOTO: STUART RENNIE/SCOTTISH WATERWAYS FOR ALL The flotilla at Broxburn.

PHOTO: STUART RENNIE/SCOTTISH WATERWAYS FOR ALL Crowds on Manse Road Bridge (bridge 43) as the flotilla sails into the canal basin at Linlithgow.

PHOTO: RICHARD MILLAR Spectators crowding the towpath at Winchburgh to watch the flotilla.