Cross Country Coal
The carriage of coal was the main impetus for building the Union
canal. Although war with France saw its construction delayed,
Parliament eventually gave the green light in 1817, with
contruction starting in 1818 and the canal finally opening in
1822.
Glasgow to Edinburgh
An eleven-lock flight connected the canal with the Forth and
Clyde canal at Falkirk, providing a direct inland connection
between the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh which originally
included a regular passenger service.
The Canal's profitability was greatly diminished by the opening
of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway in 1842. The lock flight was
demolished in the 1930's and following a period of steady decline,
the Union Canal was abandoned in the 1960's.
Millenium Link
In 2001, the canal was rejuvenated and triumphantly reopened as
part of the £78m Millenium Link - the largest canal restoration
ever in Britain. The project incorporated the construction of the
Falkirk Wheel, reconnecting the Union Canal and the Forth and Clyde
Canal for the first time in over 70 years.
Edinburgh Regeneration
Edinburgh Quay is a major regeneration project centred on the
site of Lochrin Basin, in the heart of Scotland's capital. It
provides around 90 waterfront apartments, 150,000 square feet of
offices and 55,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.