“The only thing wrong with this course is its too short” – Employability Volunteer

Exciting News from Big Lottery, The new boat ‘’ is being prepared for cruises and we’re excited to share our canal magic with Investing in Ideas everyone. Watch this space! Re- Boats has been awarded £5,325 by the Big Lottery, Investing in Ideas. This funding will be used to carry out a community consultation and market research into running canal boat trips at The Helix in . The trips, run by volunteers, would include bespoke options, educational trips and short trips to explore the area with a planned community café on board.

Health Space Project

Both and Falkirk have launched their latest Falkirk volunteers were treated to a fabulous heritage walk Health Space Projects and despite experienceing 4 seasons from the Forth and Clyde to the Union Canal filled with in one day everyone was brimming with enthusiasm and facts and delivered by Gemma, the Waterways Trust Canal ready to and Heritage Officer. learn all about our It’s Electric! amazing Falkirk Lock keeping volunteers have just taken delivery of canals. an Electric Trike which is brilliant for those who require some additional support getting around the locks. It did require some getting used to so Richard provided some

trike training.

Undertaking some water safety and rescue training and learning more about the history of the Union Canal from our local historian Richard We have been conducting a walking challenge for a week Allen whose special focus is in Falkirk with Chris and our own Richard capturing their on the labourers ‘Navvies’, steps taken. Chris's final total was 118340 steps vs who endured horrendus Richard's 119161. Close run race! We are all secretly happy conditions to build the canal Richard did more as he is not a good loser. system nearly 200 years ago.

Happy Boaters

The better weather is bringing out the boaters and our Lock Keepers are busy making sure that the boats keep moving safely and without too many delays. They are out in all weathers but always have a smile on their faces and the customer feedback is excellent.

Citizen Science

The John Muir group have been down in the woods again

enjoying our fantastic Canal greenspace. They have been conducting an OPAL – Explore Nature soil and earthworm survey and a biodiversity survey of the canalside

hedgerows.

This past week half our employability group brought Debbie 2 up from lock 3 on their way to Auchenstarry Whilst the rest were at the on Jaggy Thistle testing their skills! Swapping over later in the day to bring Alma up from lock 3.

For more information about our ongoing projects, ticketed events or hiring one of our boats please contact us at the Edinburgh office – 0131 261 8529. [email protected]

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