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This image dates from 1906. The photo of Union Canal is part of the Reliable Series of Split back cards from that time period. It was postally used on 23 Apr 1906.  Construction of the Union Canal began in 1818 and opened 4 years later. The project was headed by Hugh Baird as the principal engineer with a major contribution by the great engineer Thomas Telford The Edinburgh & Glasgow Union Canal is 31½ miles [50 km] long from Edinburgh to Falkirk and is linked to the Forth & Clyde Canal at Falkirk by the new Falkirk Wheel to continue the journey to Glasgow. The new link between the Union and Forth and Clyde Canals is to be the centerpiece of the Millennium link project. Instead of restoring the old locks, a spectacular wheel shaped boat lift, the only one of its kind in the world, is being built, to the west at Tamfourhill. This involves extending the Union Canal from its current insignificant terminus at Port Maxwell, building three new locks, a new tunnel, two new aqueducts, a bridge to take the canal under the railway, and a large basin as well as the wheel itself. So far, the Union Canal extension is progressing well and work has now started on the boat lift itself. It is all due to open early next year. 
Union Canal Today. (2001)
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