Monkland Canal history and heritage
![https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/236731/Monkland_Canal-882x562_a37fc3781d14752ebf9d81956716e1cf.jpg](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/236731/Monkland_Canal-882x562_a37fc3781d14752ebf9d81956716e1cf.jpg)
Follow the history of The Monkland Canal - a 12 one quarter-mile-long canal designed to bring coal from the mining areas of Monklands to Glasgow in Scotland.
![1769](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141158/1769_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
1769
The route from Monkland coalfield is surveyed by engineer James Watt in response to the growth of Glasgow and the demand of coal in industry.
![1770](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141162/1770_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
1770
The Monkland Canal Company is formed and construction begins.
![1771](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141164/1771_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.png)
1771
The canal opens progressively, as short sections of canal are completed.
![1773](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141166/1773_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.png)
1773
Moneys runs out and construction stops at Germiston.
![1780](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141168/1780_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
1780
Revenue from shares allow building to resume as far as Blackhill.
![1790-1791](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141170/Monkland-Canal_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
1790-1791
The Forth & Clyde Canal Company funds the ‘Cut of Junction’ connecting the Monkland and Forth & Clyde Canals so they can both benefit from the additional water supply from surrounding rivers.
![1831](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141172/1831_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
1831
The Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway opens. Other railways follow, eventually leading to direct competition with the canal.
![1837](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141174/1837_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.png)
1837
The Monkland Canal is the most profitable canal in Scotland, with income from tolls nearly 4 times its expenditure.
![1846](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141176/1846_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
1846
The canal is taken over by The Forth & Clyde Canal Company.
![1849](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141178/1849_2023-05-16-091004_xigz_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.png)
1849
The inclined Plane, a system to move boats up and down the hill at Blackhills without the use of Locks, is constructed. The Inclined Plane was designed in 1839 by James Leslie.
![1850](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141180/1850_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.png)
1850
1million tonnes of coal has been transported along the canal.
![1867](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141182/canal-photo_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
1867
The canal is bought by the Caledonian Railway Company.
![1952](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141184/1952_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.png)
1952
The canal is closed to navigation.
![1960s](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141186/1960_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
1960s
The canal is gradually filled in to make way for the construction of the M8 in Glasgow and new developments in Coatbridge.
![21st Century](https://d1hxd0sho1wxko.cloudfront.net/production/imager-transforms-cache/general/141188/21st-century_26a1f09add335143bc2c480199428164.jpg)
21st Century
Drumpelier Park and Calderbank are still in water and are popular locations for nature and wildlife as well as leisure visitors.