Edinburgh Lochrin Basin Opening 22 March 2005

A flotilla of boats leaves Ratho in the morning.

A new Bridge 5 at Westerhailes where the cabal has recently been restored.

Wooden sculptures alongside the canal represent Navigators digging the canal.

The flotilla crosses the Slateford Aqueduct.

Rowers are a common sight at Meggetland.

The Edinburgh Union Canal Society base is passed at Harrison Park.

Viewforth bridge. The Leamington Lift Bridge and Basin is ahead.

Boats assemble for the opening of the Lemington Lift Bridge marking the entrance to the Lochrin Basin.

A ribbon waits to be cut by the first boat through.

The bridge lifts.

The barge "The Millennium Link" cuts the ribbon.

We pass through the Lift Bridge.

The Seagull Trust Cruises barge "St John Crusader II" passes under the bridge into the basin

Boats assemble in the new Lochrin Basin

The Bridge Inn Ratho gets a Waterways Renaissance Award for cross Scotland holiday canal cruises.

St John Crusader II passes a new modern style building.

Scottish Government Transport Minister Nicol Stephen and Cambell Christie (STUC) perform the opening ceremony.

Seagull Trust barge "Mackay" heads back to Ratho.