Canal boats set to navigate their way to Auchinstarry

Eighty canal boats of all shapes and sizes are joining a recordbreaking cruise from Glasgow to Falkirk, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the re-opening of the Forth and Clyde Canal.

The fleet will arrive at Auchinstarry at 3.30pm on Saturday, and will be greeted by bands and cheerleaders. Local members of the Forth and Clyde Canal Society and Friends of the Kelvin Valley Park are playing key roles, crewing boats and leading a heritage walk.

Friends secretary, Paul Carter, said: “We hope many local people will come along and enjoy the event. It celebrates all the local campaigning that has transformed the canal and the Kelvin Valley.”

A Heritage Walk is also being led by the Friends for all members of the public to enjoy.

The walk will start at 10.30am on Sunday from the Boathouse Hotel and take in Nethercroy Woodland, Croy Hill and the Antonine Wall. It will take about an hour and a half, and is five kilometres long with 100 metres of uphill climb.

The fleet will be given a send off by the Duke of Buccleuch on Sunday with boats departing in batches between 8.30am and 12.30pm.