The Union Canal

 Okay ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, a very brief history lesson before I begin to wax lyrical about the wonders of the Union Canal today. Opened in 1822, the Union Canal was constructed to bring minerals, coal in particular, to Scotland's capital city. Although initially a relatively successful enterprise, it quickly diminished in its importance as a transport medium twenty years later with the appearance of the Edinburgh and Glasgow railway. It became disused in the 1930's, but help was at hand when a revival of interest in canals in general led to the completing of the Millenium Link in 2000 and the reconnection of the Union
Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal. The Union Canal has the distinction of being Scotland's one and only contour canal, making locks unnecessary, although it does have 62 fixed bridges and three spectacular aqueducts. So how did they link these two canals, how did they replace the original staircase of eleven locks that originally did the job. There is a height difference of 110 feet where the canals meet, so an impressive feat of modern engineering was required. This came in the form of the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift operating from 35 metres in the air .... and must

be seen to be believed. So please do.

 Okay, history lesson over for now. So what of the Union Canal today. Stretching for 32 miles from Edinburgh Quay in the heart of the capital to the Falkirk Wheel, it passes through tunnels and over aqueducts, peacefully wending its way through some of the area's most tranquil and picturesque scenery. The towpath is easy on the feet, the views equally as easy on the eye. Whether cycling, jogging, walking or just ambling slowly along, there is plenty to enjoy along the way. Hire a boat for the day and absorb the sights and sounds of one of the country's finest canals. Take advantage of an organised trip or stop for a cuppa and a bite to eat. The more energetic can partake of kayaking, rowing or canoeing, the less energetic and more patient in a spot of canal fishing. And there are plenty of seasonal activities, both on and off the water, including the Canal Festival, if you are ever stuck for something to do.

The Union Canal provides a vital corridor for wildlife, both through the city itself and out into the countryside. An oasis of green heralds the arrival of summer, with wild flowers splattering the grass and hedgerows with an abundance of colour, bursting forth along the towpath in a myriad of blue, pink, yellow and white. Swans glide serenely along, moorhens busy themselves

in the reeds, and ducks do what ducks do best - quack! And if you are lucky, you may spot one of the many small ceatures that live beside the canal as well as the inevitable rabbits twitching away in the grass.

We are forever being told that exercise is good for us, and there is no better place for getting those legs in good working order or removing some of life's many excesses than a walk along the canal. So calm, so peaceful, so close to the city and yet a million miles from its hustle and bustle, it is the perfect place to escape, recharge those batteries and go back feeling refreshed and invigorated. So I expect to see you all out there

when time permits - and maybe you should make

time - savouring one of the most tranquil places

on offer in your wonderful city.