Enhancements at Canalside in West Edinburgh are streamlining local travels
Scottish Canals Leads Union Canal Towpath Improvement Project
The Edinburgh Union Canal towpath has undergone significant improvements, transforming a key walking and cycling route between Leamington Lift Bridge and Edinburgh Quay. The project, led by Scottish Canals, was officially opened on Cycle to Work Day.
The improvements were developed and delivered through a partnership between Scottish Canals and a specific website. The project cost £1.15 million, with the Scottish Government investing over £900,000. Other contributors included Scottish Canals, Sustrans (a sustainable transport charity), and third parties.
The works regenerated the towpath, resulting in a smooth surface and new lighting to increase safety for towpath users and boaters. Additionally, six new 32A power bollards were installed to support electric boat charging, aligning with Scottish Canals' net zero carbon emission goals by 2030.
The improvements aim to enhance accessibility and connectivity for all users of the Union Canal towpath. Many people living on the west side of Edinburgh use the towpath for their commute and other everyday journeys. The towpath is a key traffic-free link connecting National Cycle Network Route 75 with the city centre.
The project aligns with earlier enhancements near Lochrin Basin and Boroughmuir High School. During the works, a 200-year-old historic canal wall was discovered, adding cultural value to the project site. The power bollards future-proof the canal for increased electrical demand from electric boats, contributing to environmental sustainability.
These improvements encourage more sustainable transport choices, supporting health and wellbeing, and reducing carbon emissions by facilitating non-motorized commuting options. The Walking and Cycling Index, the UK's biggest ever study of walking, wheeling, and cycling, suggests that more traffic-free cycle paths like the Union Canal towpath would help 73% of Edinburgh residents cycle more. Similarly, better pavement accessibility, such as level surfaces and dropped kerbs at crossing points, would help 72% of Edinburgh residents walk or wheel more.
In summary, the Edinburgh Union Canal towpath project is a multi-partner, government-backed initiative enhancing accessibility, safety, and sustainability along a key active travel corridor in Edinburgh, boosting both commuter and leisure use. The improvements are part of the Scottish Government's investment of £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26.
- The Union Canal towpath project, led by Scottish Canals, encompasses not only the improvement of the towpath's surface and lighting, but also the installation of 32A power bollards to support electric boat charging, transforming the towpath into a hub for eco-friendly travel and fashion-and-beauty, as electric boats become part of the chic and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
- Beyond facilitating active travel and boosting commuter use, this project is also aimed at promoting food-and-drink offerings, as the revitalized towpath connecting the city center to National Cycle Network Route 75 provides an ideal setting for cafes and restaurants, thus enhancing the local home-and-garden ambience, making the Union Canal towpath an attractive destination for leisure travel.
