Union Canal - Wester Hailes opening.
On Saturday, 25th of August 2001, the Union canal was opened through Wester
Hailes and this allowed passage into the centre of Edinburgh. When Wester
Hailes, a large housing estate on the outskirts of Edinburgh, was built,
the canal was filled in and to reopen it, a completely new stretch of canal had
to be made. At the moment it has a very "concrete" look but as the vegetation
grows, the appearance will improve. Photos are by John Howell, John Foster and
David Wright.
After the official bit, Gamebird did a stint giving boat trips to the people
of Wester Hailes - it rained!!. After this we went to the end of the canal in
Edinburgh where we spent the night in the company of Bracken (the BW trip boat
skippered by Dave Wright) and Lynx (Tug Wilson's camouflaged boat). During the
day, we had the pleasure of sharing Gamebird with several friends and Geoff and
Lynne Hooton spent the evening with us in Edinburgh. We sat on a wall beside the
boats, drank a little wine, ate a carry out Thai meal and entertained various
passers by.
At Ratho, getting ready to leave for Wester Hailes
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Boats gather at the Community centre - note the unusual bridge which
spans a road and canal. |
Same bridge, different view.
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At Harrison park, the home of the Edinburgh Canal Society. |
Leamington Lift Bridge, beyond which Edinburgh Quay will be developed.
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Leamington Lift Bridge - with Lynx, Bracken and Gamebird who all moored
there overnight.
|
Tug (Alan Wilson), wearing some fetching weed after a spell underwater
clearing Silver Points prop!
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At Leamington Lift Bridge with Geoff and Lynne Hooton and Ann on board
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John Foster, Lynne Hooton, Ann and Iain
|
Adrian, Jonathon, Geoff, Iain and John |
 Lynne
and Ann |
That meal! Tug, Dave, Ann, Lynne and Iain.
|
Lynne
and Ann