BW Scotland joins Edinburgh Doors open day

21 September 2009

British Waterways Scotland will take part in Edinburgh Doors Open Day for the first time this year with two heritage walks along the Union Canal on Sunday 27 September.

The walks start at 10am and 2pm at Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh Quay, and finish at Harrison Park, with each walk lasting around 1½ hours.

The meeting point at Edinburgh Quay will be next to Lochrin Basin and clearly marked by a Doors Open Day banner. At the end of the walk participants will get the chance to board a canal boat, The Re-Union, and enjoy a traditional cream tea.

The walks will focus on why the Union Canal was built, the industries it served, and what kinds of barges and passenger boats have used the canal.

Leading them will be British Waterways Scotland's senior heritage advisor, Sabina Strachan who says: "This is a great opportunity for people to find out about this 200-year-old 'hidden gem' in the heart of town. We're very grateful to volunteers from the charities Edinburgh Canal Society and Re-Union Canal Boats who'll be helping out on the day."

Spaces on the walks will be limited so guests are asked to arrive promptly to avoid disappointment. Those unable to take part on Sunday 27 should get in touch with Feet First Canal Walks and The Waterways Trust Scotland, which together run guided walks along the Union Canal. For more information contact 07768 951 740, and for information on Doors Open Day visit www.edinburghdoorsopenday.com.

Ends

For further information contact Joanna Harrison, British Waterways Scotland, on 0141 354 7567/07824 499180.