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Fanfare for Falkirk-bound flotilla - Union 10 anniversary celebrations

Up to 15,000 people took to the Union Canal towpath and The Falkirk Wheel to watch the spectacular procession, named Union 10. The canal’s reopening was made possible by a £86.5-million Millennium Link Project in 2000.

Ratho Princess, built in 1923, was the oldest vessel in the unique fleet which set sail from the award-winning Edinburgh Quay with great fanfare on the Saturday arriving for an overnight stay in Linlithgow before setting off for journey’s end at the iconic Falkirk Wheel the following day.

The event which included colourful stalls and a range of local musicians and entertainers from Forth Valley, was brought together by various canal societies, charities and social enterprises which now benefit from the canal with the support of British Waterways Scotland.

Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to the regeneration of Scotland's canals. Since reopening ten years ago, the Union Canal, along with the Forth & Clyde and Highland Canals, has become a thriving community asset benefiting the local economy as well as encouraging tourism.

"Living close to the Union Canal myself, I have seen the vital role that canal societies, local enthusiasts and social enterprises have played in bringing the canal back to life and recognise the continued importance to both communities and the local economy in ensuring that people engage with our revitalised waterways. I look forward to a further increase in activity around our canals over the next ten years."

Steve Dunlop, Director, British Waterways Scotland, added: “Altogether this weekend is a testament to the commitment and vision of all the canal societies, charities and waterway enthusiasts who campaigned so hard for the reopening of the lowland canals, the confidence and investment of the Scottish Government and Millennium Commission in making this a reality and the plethora of public and private sector partners who continue to invest in sustaining the canals today.”

Also held during the weekend of events was a fundraising 'Teddy Bear Parachute Jump', where over brave 34 teddies took the plunge from the top of the wheel before being collected and returned to the safety of their owners. The winning mascot was 'Penelope Panda', of Peccadillo Barge, Glasgow and Best Dressed Teddy was won by 'Angel' of Abbie Brauce Maycock, Falkirk. Best Dressed Owners were the Dunedin Harley Owners Group, Edinburgh.

Seagull Trust Cruises, a Falkirk charity, thanked the bears and their owners for helping raise over £2300. All monies raised will assist the voluntary organisation, which offers canal trips for disabled and disadvantaged persons and groups.