Full steam ahead for Union Canal anniversary parade

The event, on September 25 and 26, will see modern and historic vessels sail down the 32-mile stretch to form one of the Capital's largest flotillas.

Taking part are some of the oldest and most unusual boats including one built in 1923, a collection of steam boats and some that are specially decorated.

Organisers are also hoping to tempt local bands and musicians to play on the riverside and boats during the parade - called Union 10.

Ronnie Rusack, who organised the event, said the flotilla would be the biggest that the canal has ever seen. He said: "The canal was derelict for 50 years before it reopened, so it's wonderful to see it in use now.

"Volunteers came up with the parade to prove that good events can be organised without funding, just a bit of hard work. We've already got 60 boats signed up but there's still time for more. And we're hoping bands will play on the boats as we go along."

The two-day event is scheduled to begin in Edinburgh and end at the Falkirk Wheel. At the end of the trip there will be a charity fundraiser in aid of the Seagull Trust, where Mr Rusack works full time, which provides boat trips for disabled and disadvantaged people.

The parade, headed by a small replica packet boat called Victoria, will set off at 9am from Edinburgh Quay, going through Wester Hailes to Ratho Inn, then to Broxburn and finishing in Linlithgow on Saturday night.

On Sunday morning they will set off to Brightons, ending at the top locks at the Falkirk Wheel.

There, a sponsored teddy bear parachute jump is set to kick off, where kids and adults can drop their favourite cuddly toy from the top of the wheel in a homemade parachute to raise money for the Seagull Trust.

Mr Rusack said: "We're really excited about the variation of boats that will join the parade. We've got traditional narrowboats, former fishing boats and Edwardian steam launches.

"The Forth & Clyde Canal Society's two-thirds size Puffer will be amongst the craft and my very own Ratho Princess, which was built in 1923.

"We're hoping that communities along the stretch will come out and join the fun."

Union 10 has been created and co-ordinated by a host of waterway enthusiasts, canal societies, charities and social enterprises involved with the Union Canal, plus British Waterways Scotland.

The canal reopened in 2000 as part of the Millennium Link Project.