Linlithgow Union Canal Society facts for kids
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| Established | 1977 |
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| Location | Linlithgow |
The Linlithgow Union Canal Society is a group of people who love and care for the Union Canal in Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland. It is a registered charity, which means it works to help the community, not just to make money.
The society, also known as LUCS, runs the Linlithgow Canal Centre. It was started in 1975 by a man named Melville Gray. His goal was to fix up the canal and get people excited about using it again, especially around the town of Linlithgow.
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The Story of the Society
In the 1970s, the canal wasn't in great shape. A man named Mel Gray decided to change that. Starting in 1970, he began clearing the towpath (the path alongside the canal) with help from local young people. This hard work led to the first boat festival at the canal in 1972.
Three years later, in 1975, the Linlithgow Union Canal Society was officially formed. One of their first big projects was getting an old dredger, which is a special boat used to scoop mud from the bottom of the canal to keep it deep enough for other boats.
Working Together to Restore the Canals
Soon, other groups who loved the canals started to form. Together, they all campaigned to have Scotland's canals restored. This led to a huge project called the Millennium Link. This project reconnected the Union Canal with the Forth & Clyde Canal.
The most famous part of this project is the Falkirk Wheel. It's a one-of-a-kind boat lift that carries boats from one canal to the other. Thanks to this amazing work, people can now travel between the canals again.
The society continues to be very active. It hosts fun events like boat rallies and takes part in the yearly Linlithgow Folk Festival. The founder, Mel Gray, passed away in March 2006, but his dream of a busy, beautiful canal lives on.
Fun at the Linlithgow Canal Centre
The Linlithgow Union Canal Society runs the Canal Centre, which is a great place for a day out. You can enjoy a relaxing boat trip, visit the tearoom for a snack, or learn something new at the Mel Gray Education Centre.
The centre offers special boat trips for school groups. These trips teach kids about staying safe near water and other interesting topics about the canal.
Boat Trips to an Amazing Aqueduct
The society has several boats that take visitors on trips. One of the most popular destinations is the Avon Aqueduct. An aqueduct is like a bridge that carries water, and this one is special because boats can travel over it!
The Avon Aqueduct was built by an engineer named Hugh Baird, with help from the famous Thomas Telford. It is the second-longest aqueduct in the United Kingdom and the tallest and longest in all of Scotland. The trip boat "Saint Magdalene" is named after a local landmark.
The Canal Museum
In 1977, a building that was once a stable for boat horses was turned into the Canal Museum. Today, it's a fantastic place to learn all about the history of canals across the UK.
Picture Gallery
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Tourist Board plaque
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See also
