Historic wall discovered during towpath improvement works

Whilst carrying out towpath improvement works in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, a 200-year-old historical wall was discovered. The wall survived under the modern surface and behind a concrete wall that was built during the 1920’s, and although our research indicated that it may have survived since 1822 when the canal opened, the amount and condition was a pleasant surprise. The sloping masonry suggests that the wall was constructed to protect the canal embankment from the wash of passing boats. Similar examples survive at other locations on the canal. The current concrete quayside wall was built when the two historic basins, Port Hopetoun and Port Hamilton were infilled and the new canal terminus created. The wall is being archaeologically recorded and will be left in situ under the new surfacing for future generations. Scottish natural stone paving will be laid to create a smooth surface to improve accessibility for all users, and new lighting will increase community safety for towpath users and boaters.

Read more about the towpath improvement works here: https://bit.ly/4ibITaE

Thanks to our partners Sustrans Scotland, Vastint UK, Historic Environment Scotland, Mackenzie Construction, AOC Archaeology Group and RaeburnFarquharBowen Landscape Architecture & Urban Design