Scotland’s Winchburgh Marina has officially opened.
A flotilla of canal boats, canoes and paddleboards entering the marina to a backdrop of bagpipes officially marked the opening.
The marina, on the Union Canal in West Lothian, has been ten years in the making with Winchburgh Developments Ltd working with Scottish Canals to develop the facility.
Up to 20 narrowboats can be accommodated and a further 29 moorings along the canal are set to be constructed.
“We’re delighted to take occupancy of Winchburgh Marina, this latest addition to Scottish Canals’ growing moorings portfolio,” said Scottish Canals’ CEO John Paterson. “Winchburgh Marina is a fantastic example of how we are making the most of Scotland’s canals, through working with partners across the public, third and private sectors we’re able to offer new opportunities for those living on or near water.”
He added: “We’re excited to work with Winchburgh Developments Limited, our passionate boating community on the Union Canal and the community here at Winchburgh to create a vibrant hub for people to live, work and enjoy for the long term and I would encourage anyone who has ever had a fleeting thought about living on water, starting a business on the canal or ditching a caravan for a canal boat to get in touch with our moorings team.”
Further plans are in place for Winchburgh’s water-based activities, with the quarry in nearby Daisy Park set to be transformed into a leisure facility.
Scottish Canals is responsible to the Scottish Government for the management and development of five of Scotland’s canals as well as the surrounding estate and The Falkirk Wheel.
