Thousands Descend On Muirtown For Inaugural Splash! Event
27 June 2007
The Caledonian Canal was buzzing with boats, aeroplanes, helicopters and a host of fantastic activities at the weekend as the inaugural Splash! Muirtown Water Festival, arrived in Inverness.
Thousands descended on Muirtown Basin to discover all that the inland waterway has to offer, including some spectacular attractions where air and water combined to make history.
For the first time ever a sea plane landed and took off from the Caledonian Canal, flown by an RAF Tornado pilot who also has his own boat moored at Muirtown Basin .
It wouldn't be a festival without music. Isle of Skye based trio Stereoglo took to the stage to entertain the masses with their rock-ing beats while the Caledonian Canal Cèilidh Trail Band kept everyone's feet a-tapping with more traditional sounds.
Kids of all ages had a chance to take to the water in hour-long sailing lessons led by the Royal Yachting Association, while youngsters had another chance to get onto the water on a scull boat courtesy of Inverness Rowing Club and canoe with the Sea Scouts.
Staying safe on the water is paramount and the RNLI, Coast Guard and Sea Cadets were on hand to assist and advise all festival goers on how to stay safe in and near the canal.
Russell Thomson , Manager, Highland Canals at British Waterways Scotland , said: "It may have been raining but that didn't stop thousands heading for Muirtown Basin to take part in a host of activities and learn a little bit more about our waterways. The sea plane landing was a real crowd pleaser and the kids had an absolute ball out on the water. All in all it was fantastic day and a great addition to the celebrations for Highland 2007. I would like to thank all the exhibitors, bands, British waterways staff from across Scotland and everyone else who helped pull this great event together."
2007 marks the 250 th anniversary of legendary engineer Thomas Telford, arguably the best road, rail and canal builder in history - and the man responsible for opening up the Highlands with perhaps his greatest achievement, the magnificent Caledonian Canal .
To help celebrate the engineer's life and work, Telford 's Tales took festival-goers back in time to learn about this great Scotsman . The group, dressed in period costume, guided visitors along the stepped locks reliving intriguing tales of the canal's rich historical past.
Working on the Caledonian Canal is never dull and lock keepers have many a great tale to tell. Festival-goers had a rare opportunity to meet and listen to lock keepers and find out exactly what it takes to ensure the smooth operation of the longest canal in Scotland .
The exhibitor arena gave visitors the opportunity to learn more about all the different activities open to them along the Caledonian Canal , with information stands hosted by the Great Glen Ways and other local organizations. There were also chances to get on board a Caley Cruiser and journey up the locks with The Seagull Trust.
Youngsters also had the chance to have their face painted, make their own boat out of balloons, build their own fish and jump around on a bouncy castle.
For those looking to refuel after all those activities there was a wide range of fare on offer at the various food stalls providing visitors with the opportunity to try everything from tacos to Ostrich burgers!
ENDS
Issued on behalf of British Waterways Scotland by Wave PR. For more information contact Chris Bell on 0141 303 8390.