We've taken a look back into our photo archives to find these great photos of the Union Canal in and around Edinburgh over the years.
The Union Canal was opened in 1822 and was initially successful, but the construction of railways, particularly the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, which opened in 1842, diminished its value as a transport medium. It fell into slow commercial decline and was closed to commercial traffic in 1933. It was officially closed in 1965.
It has benefited from a general revival of interest in canals and, as a result of the Millennium Link, was re-opened in 2001 and reconnected to the Forth and Clyde Canal in 2002 by the Falkirk Wheel. It is now in popular use for leisure purposes. Starting at Edinburgh Quay in Fountainbridge, the waterway now runs all the way to the Falkirk Wheel thanks to the renovation project at the turn of the century.
5. Canoeists
Canoeists gathered for a rally on the Union Canal at Linlithgow in October 1972. | TSPL Photo: National World
6. Big changes
The Leamington Lift Bridge over the Union Canal is replaced in April 2002. A crane is pictured lowering a large panel into place. | TSPL Photo: National World
7. Step onbaord
Retired cruise ship captain Nic Bates is pictured in August 2012 on the barge on the Union Canal which was let out to take groups up and down the waterways. Nic is taking exams to be able to be the captain of one of these barges. | TSPL Photo: National World
8. Under the bridge
Members of the St. Andrew's Rowing Club (l-r) Coxain Jo Wherrit, Mairi Torrie, Ian Johnston, John Seton, Michele Jowitt on the Union Canal at Meggetland, Edinburgh; April 3, 2002. | TSPL Photo: National World