Organisers plan to get crowds on board with canal festival

ORGANISERS hope to attract thousands of visitors to Edinburgh's first canal festival.

Lochrin Basin will spring into life this summer with up to 3000 people expected to flock to the banks of the Union Canal for the day of festivities.

The event will incorporate the raft race which has been held on the canal in recent years, and add the fun of boat trips for the public and stalls lining the waterfront.

It is hoped that the day will bring a much-needed boost to the area, rebranded Edinburgh Quay, which has seen ambitious plans for its redevelopment stall amid the economic downturn.

As the Evening News reported last week, plans to transform a former garage site in the area into a multi-million pound "Little Venice" with shops, bars, restaurants and homes have been put on ice. Another proposed development of homes and offices on the site of the former Fountain Brewery has also collapsed after developer Buredi Fountainbridge went into administration, and plans for HBOS to build new offices close by are said to be in doubt.

However, in a bid to bring a sense of optimism to the area, the festival has been granted 5000 by British Waterways and another 5000 by Edinburgh Council.

Chairman of the Edinburgh Canal Society, Andy Devenport, said plans were in the early stages, but added: "We hope we'll be doing free boat trips and we'll try to get the local community councils and other groups to have stalls. The bulk of the event will happen between Cargo and the lift bridge, but there's a possibility that we will extend along the towpath towards Viewforth Bridge."

The council's canal champion, Councillor Tim McKay, said: "The idea has been taken up really enthusiastically by a whole lot of community groups. It's going like a house on fire. It's great. It will obviously raise the profile of Edinburgh Quay, which will help the businesses there, but it will also, I hope, engender a bit of community spirit."

A spokesperson for British Waterways Scotland said: "Last year British Waterways Scotland ran a successful campaign encouraging people to get out and enjoy what the canal has to offer.

"The first Edinburgh Canal Festival is an important part of a number of activities we have planned, working closely with the local community to help to build awareness of the canal and to ensure the area is enjoyed by all."