Wheel me up Scotty

Scotland's oldest canal, and the world's first sea-to-sea ship canal, has re-opened after 40 years. Winding over 56km, the Forth & Clyde is once again a busy waterway and about to become part of itineraries for luxury hotel boats on their tourist trails throughout Britain.

The adjoining Union Canal is almost ready for opening, and the extensive canal transport system will be completed when restoration work on a large boat lift is finished at the end of this year.

The 35m-high Falkirk Wheel hoists loads of 600 tonnes. The only structure of its kind in the world, it is considered a feat of engineering. It is expected to open for regular work in spring next year. Visitors will be able to take rides on special boats at the site of the wheel.

Contact: The Millennium Link