Linlithgow Union Canal Society facts for kids
The Linlithgow Union Canal Society (often called "LUCS") is a group that loves canals and boats! It's a charity in Scotland, based at the Linlithgow Canal Centre in Linlithgow, West Lothian. The society started in 1975. Its main goal is to help bring the Union Canal back to life and encourage people to use it, especially near Linlithgow.
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Discovering the Canal's Past
The Linlithgow Union Canal Society has an interesting history. In 1970, a person named Mel Gray started clearing the towpath. This is the path next to the canal where horses used to pull boats. He got help from young people from HMYOI Polmont, which is a special institution for young offenders.
In 1972, the first boaters' event happened at Linlithgow Canal Centre. This was organized by two groups: the Scottish Inland Waterways Association and the Scottish Civic Trust. Then, in 1975, the Society got an old dredger boat. This boat helps to clear mud and debris from the canal. They got it from British Waterways, which is now called Scottish Canals.
Bringing Canals Back to Life
During the 1970s and 1980s, more canal groups started forming. These groups worked on the Union Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal. Some of these groups included the Edinburgh Canal Society and the Bridge 19-40 Canal Society.
All these groups worked hard to bring the Scottish canals back to life. Their efforts led to the amazing Millennium Link Project. This big project restored the canals. The Linlithgow Union Canal Society was an official partner in this project. The Millennium Link connects the Union Canal and the Forth & Clyde Canal using the unique Falkirk Wheel. The Falkirk Wheel is a special boat lift that moves boats between the two canals.
In 2008, the Linlithgow Union Canal Society hosted a big event for the Scottish Inland Waterways Association. The society also takes part in the yearly Linlithgow Folk Festival. Mel Gray, the person who started the society, passed away in March 2006.
Exploring the Linlithgow Canal Centre
The Linlithgow Union Canal Society manages the Linlithgow Canal Centre. They offer fun boat trips and have a tearoom where you can get snacks. There's also a new place called the Mel Gray Education Centre.
Learning and Fun on the Water
The centre offers special boat trips for schools. These trips teach children about water safety and other interesting topics. The Education Centre can teach people of all ages about canals.
The society bought more boats in 1987 and 1995. These boats take visitors on trips to Linlithgow or to the Avon Aqueduct. The Avon Aqueduct is like a bridge that carries the canal over a valley. It was built by Hugh Baird with advice from Thomas Telford. It is the second longest aqueduct in the United Kingdom and the longest and highest in Scotland. One of the trip boats is called "Saint Magdalene." It is named after the St Magdalene distillery.
The Canal Museum
The Canal Museum was created in 1977. It used to be a stable for the horses that pulled the canal boats. Now, it's a place where you can learn all about the history of canals in the UK.
Photo gallery
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Tourist Board plaque
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