Plans for a canal between Edinburgh and Glasgow were made in 1793 as people needed coal, and the city was limited to sources from Port of Leith which was expensive. Constructors proposed many different routes, all with coal reserves on the way.
The project for a canal had to be postponed because of
Napoleonic Wars, and this was affecting funds provided for the canal. In 1811 new
project was published, but by this time, Edinburgh was already planning another
investition which was New Town.
Union Canal is going over a 240 ft contour line. Hugh Baird
proposed another way which was supposed to go from Fountainbridge to Falkirk,
and then because of different locks, this could join the Forth & Clyde
Canal on the way. Respected Scottish engineer Thomas Telford sent his approval,
saying it is one of the best routes proposed. This was the perfect investment
without canal locks as it was cheap and faster to build.
Works began in March 1818 and took four years. The opening
of the canal was also magnificent for tourism in Edinburgh. Travelling from
Edinburgh by passenger boat took 7 hours, but visitors could have a meal on
board and enjoy a more comfortable journey than the road. People also enjoyed
day trips.
Union Canal and Forth & Clyde canal were closed shortly
after Glasgow and Edinburgh brought to live rail connection as this was easier
to transport coal. The official closure of the Union canal as a waterway was in
1965.
In 2000 and 2001, both canals were opened again with an
investment of £84.5 million from the Millenium Link Project. The Falkirk Wheel
is a new beginning and end of the Union Canal.
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