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.
17. Team
Members of the St. Andrew's Rowing Club (clockwise) Coxain Jo Wherrit (standing), Mairi Torrie, Ian Johnston, John Seton, Michele Jowitt, Cal Bowman (nearest) and Viv Samuelson on the Union Canal at the Meggetland, Edinburgh; April 3, 2002. | TSPL Photo: National World
18. Emptied
An empty Lochrin Basin in Fountainbridge in July 2002 thanks to excavation works. The basin, which forms one end of the Union Canal, accidentally drained on the 23rd of June, flooding into local streets to the north of the canal. | TSPL Photo: Andrew Stuart/ National World
19. Setting sail
The Mackay Seagull barge at Ratho, at the opening of the Seagull Trust building and dry dock in 1993. | TSPL Photo: National World
20. Boat launch
The launch of the Countess of Edinburgh narrow boat on the Union Canal in May 1987. | TSPL Photo: National World