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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

Edinburgh to see colourful canal boat parade through water as flotilla to return

Edinburgh's Union Canal flotilla is set to return this spring, with the colourful event making a big return.

Celebrating its 200th anniversary, the event will see swathes of canal boats parade down the stretch of water from two different locations, with the banks lined with party-goers.

Running on May 20-22, the flotilla will be reflecting on 200 years of the Union Canal, which has played a huge part in Edinburgh's history over the years.

With a host of plans set for the weekend, the event will encompass the complete 31.5 miles of the Union Canal, which stretches from Edinburgh to the Falkirk Wheel.

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Two individual flotillas will commence at Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh and the Falkirk Wheel (and other intermittent locations) with the two separate flotillas converging and mustering at Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow on the afternoon and evening of Saturday May 21 for an early evening celebration event including BBQ and musical entertainment.

Canal boats getting involved in the festivities have also been encouraged to decorate their decks, with the theme being the last 200 years.

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Although mainly entering around the flotilla, those without a canal boat have also been encouraged to join the parades either on a paddle board, kayak, or even by walking or cycling along the canal with them.

Those attending have also been asked to dress up in a way that “reflects the 200th anniversary, with organisers expecting to see some historical and hilarious costumes on the day.

You can find more information on registering for the flotilla here.

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