WORKS to improve a popular walking and cycling route along Edinburgh’s Union Canal are now complete.
Scottish whin stone paving between Leamington Lift Bridge and the boundary of Edinburgh Quay has been laid to create a new smooth surface to improve accessibility for all users. New lighting has also been installed to increase safety for towpath users and boaters.
Six new 32A power bollards have also been installed as part of Scottish Canals’ commitment to achieving its target of reaching net zero for direct carbon emissions by 2030. The bollards will help to future-proof the area for boats with heavier electrical demand in the coming years providing charging to electric water craft.
The £1.15 million works, which were backed by funding from Scottish Government and developed and delivered through partnership between Scottish Canals and Sustrans, as well as additional third-party funding, will improve the experience of active travel and leisure users. Previous improvement works in the area have also included upgrades to paving to the east of Lochrin Basin and Boroughmuir High School.
While carrying out the works a 200-year-old historical wall was also discovered which formed part of the original canal wall. The wall survived under the modern surface and behind a concrete wall that was built during the 1920s, and although research indicated that it may have survived since 1822 when the canal opened, the amount and condition was a pleasant surprise. Scottish Canals, working with Historic Environment Scotland, was able to archaeologically record the find and it was left in situ under the new surfacing for future generations.
