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.

13. Turning round
The first canal boat rally was held on the Union Canal in Edinburgh in June 1979. | TSPL Photo: National World

14. Swanning around
A family of swans were pictured in July 2020 gliding along in single file on the Union Canal in Edinburgh. | Bob Douglas Photo: Bob Douglas

15. Up in the sky
Crossing the Almond Aqueduct on the Union Canal between Ratho and Broxburn, a British Waterways barge transports the first freight transport for some 70 years along the canal en route from Edinburgh to Glasgow. | TSPL Photo: National World

16. Grand opening
A piper plays as the first boat waits to cross the new Union Canal aqueduct at Hermiston at its official opening ceremony in May 1987. | TSPL Photo: National World