Rankin gets on board for canal festival

The thriller writer, who lives in Merchiston, agreed to get on board at the one-day event as he feels the canal is an under-appreciated Edinburgh landmark.

He is set to introduce the canal boat display and a raft race on 26 June from Edinburgh Quay.

Organisers decided to host the event once again after more than 3,000 people showed up at last year's festival.

Manager Pam Bowie, of the Re-Union Canal Boat charity, said the team had increased the number of activities and stalls on display, which include free boat rides.

She said: "We're hoping to increase numbers this year and get people more involved, and we think Ian will be able to help us do that.

"One of the committee members approached Ian after they met him at a do and he was happy to help. He has mentioned the canal in a number of his books and he is keen to highlight the area to locals and encourage them to visit.

"This year we've got more water events including free boat rides and a raft race, plus a wee boat floatilla and a canoe display. There's plenty for kids and adults to get up to."

Rankin, left, has mentioned the canal in a number of his books, including his final Rebus novel, Exit Music.

He said: "I like to walk into the city centre from my home in Merchiston, and my preferred route takes me along a stretch of the canal, so I know it fairly well.

"At weekends, I also like to take my sons to the canal to feed the ducks and swans or just to stretch our legs. I feel the canal is another bit of 'secret Edinburgh' and should be better known. It has also provided me with a few scenes in my novels."

Organisers hope that the event, sponsored by the city council and British Waterways, will become a regular feature on the Capital's entertainment calendar.

Other activities include canoe taster sessions, canoe polo, children's rides, trampolines, face-painting and stalls. Visitors can also contribute to a community mural to mark the occasion.

Ms Bowie is appealing for those who want to enter the raft race or hold a stall at the event to sign up now. There are limited places for the raft race, which last year saw entries from a number of homebuilt rafts, including a Rolls-Royce wedding car.

Those who want to sign up can e-mail [email protected].