Opportunities knock with plans for Union Canal hubs

FIVE "hubs" are to be created along the Union Canal to help encourage development next to the waterway.

The city council said a partnership with British Waterways Scotland hoped to create recreational, business and community opportunities at Ratho, Wester Hailes, Meggetland, Harrison Park and Lochrin Basin at Fountainbridge.

Highlights include Meggetland becoming a centre of excellence for watersports on the canal and the Lochrin Basin becoming an overnight mooring destination.

In the west of the city, there will also be buildings and better links with the Edinburgh Canal Centre and the Ratho Adventure Centre.

Councillor Tim McKay, Edinburgh's "canal champion", said: "We would appeal to locals and organisations to tell us what they think of the draft plans and continue to make the canal an excellent, recreational delight right here in the heart of the Capital."