267b. Scotland’s Union Canal is 200 years old (narrowboat flotilla Part 2)

As part of the 200th anniversary celebrations for the Union Canal in Scotland, running from Edinburgh to Falkirk, two flotillas were organised over two days in May. I joined both, through a bit of logistical effort involving my campervan, and this is the second of my videos of that trip.
See part 1 here: • 267a. Happy 200th birt...
And see my vlog of the campervan trip here: • 63. A quick blast up t...
For the piper, see / neilclarkgreatglenpiping
Start location: goo.gl/maps/jAsBk56ZW53kFypy6
End location: goo.gl/maps/gvT84u6ZBcJZpF829
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@thomasbernecky2078]

Yes, Davis, the pipes are loud. When I played them, people would walk (up to a mile) to ask me if I could play: "Far, Far Away"? I never did learn that one?

[@ritaloy8338]

When it comes to Scottish Bagpipes I can never get enough.

[@thomasm1964]

Ah, memories! As a Service brat, I often used to hear the pipes at military events. Funnily enough, whenever I started to whistle or sing as a kid, my Dad would also ask about Far Away. Never did learn the lyrics or tune!

[@SirPrancelot1]

What a great idea to have a piper there. For the whole day. So necessary. So relevant. I admire your restraint David.

[@haroldofcardboard]

i fully agree. those people who refused the bunting were rude!

[@rhiannyn]

YAY! That's my piping teacher being so awesome! and then he and his wife, as Glenbervie Folk Duo, at the first muster station :D woot woot!

[@borderreiver3288]

The Falkirk Wheel is a stunning piece of engineering....must go and cruise that canal and enjoy the wheel...

[@nsn73]

I loved the bagpipes playing along the way. Wonderful video!

[@bradpalmer2914]

I am glad you said you had speeded the film up otherwise I would have been asking who gave the ducks the performance enhancing bread LOL

[@CruisingTheCut]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Jacob-yz5cb]

The ghost bicycle at 10:00 😆

[@brodie2711]

I always judge people by the way they share their Custard Creams, its always stood me in good stead. Thank you, David.

[@Wild_Bill57]

The weight balance is interesting because empty each caisson holds the same weight of water, plus no matter how many boats or their weights, they displace the same weight of water as they weigh, so each caisson remains the same, so the balance remains the same. The results is the horse power needed is only enough to move the arms. A truly ingenious design and a beauty, too!

[@davidgibson4840]

I uses less power than a kettle to move it.

[@Leo-lj6vs]

My mind boggles looking at this lift. What a great machine!

[@MissScrappy]

No matter how many times I see the Wheel it is truly difficult to believe it's real. Then again bagpipes tend to be a bit otherworldly themselves. Great episode!

[@lenabreijer1311]

Yes they are loud! But I love them. I am so happy that after 2 years of silence, on Wednesday nights the RCMP pipe and drum band practices again across the road...... 7 lanes, a parking lot and in the next parking lot. My sister shuts all the windows and I go out and weed the front garden. I was even married to a piper for a while. Not one ounce of Scottish blood in me.

[@SLO-Ride]

As I sit here in dry, brown, drought stressed California, I can only enviously drool while watching the so very green landscape, and so very wet canals, softly drift by as the Piper plays. *sigh*

[@thecunnting]

Cruising the cut is the highlight of my week

[@andrewforbes2577]

Love, love the pipes!

[@LisaMarli]

I love bagpipes. I live in the city, a friend lived a block away. A friend would come to visit and practice pipes (they would not let him practice in his apartment, funny thing). But I would love that I could easily hear him a block away. And amble over to hear him more clearly (and louder). And yes, they were used for all sorts of reasons because they could be heard at such a distance. But then again, I like them.

[@DougsMessyGarage]

That is quite the boat lift.

[@sailboatbob3969]

I think i like this format a little bit better, we get to see more parts of the canal system. I'd like to see more from Scotland good job

[@Cydonius1]

ducklings +10 for effort ... also that rising bridge is some really neat engineering

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

That was absolutely stunning. Even got emotional at the beautiful reflection on the cruise. Thank you 🙏.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

David, thank you so much for sharing this historic rememberance with us on YT. 😊 *Wow ---That Falkirk wheel is an amazing feat of engineering!!!* 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Seagull Trust is an amazing charity! If one is wheelchair bound or are forced to use a walker device or crutches; getting from. point A to point B is a challenge; as is finding places with handicapped-accessible rest rooms The canal is beautiful! The scenery is gorgeous! That aqueduct is impressive! (Even the nicest cut stone aqueduct piers on what is remaining of the Old Erie Canal are very plain (as were the bridges from what I can see in old pictures). Metal lift bridges are the order on the modern Erie Canal where it passes either through or near a town.

[@dennisporter753]

Fantastic vlog David!.. The Bagpipes was awesome too... what a nice Celebration of the Canals 200th Anniversary !

[@ianlaw6410]

Braw piper. Great video, David. Good to see the Seagull Trust flying the flag. There's the "boaters own" flotilla of lights in November. Big bonfire by the Almond aquaduct on Friday, flotilla from Ratho into Edinburgh on the Saturday. That's usually much better supported and attended.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Aha! Perhaps I should come up again...

[@ianlaw6410]

You'd be welcome. As long as the canal isn't frozen solid, it will happen. You can sign up for news and updates...I will send you the email link.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers! Much appreciated.

[@longrider42]

Bagpipe power! Very powerful :) Great video by the way.

[@michaeljohnson-li5nn]

The Falkirk Wheel was designed and manufactured by Butterley Engineering who where based at Ripley, Derbyshire. Founded in 1790 they have been responsible for several prestigious engineering projects, the arch roof spans of St. Pancras station to name but one. Sadly, Butterley ceased trading several years ago, the site where the main works stood is now part derelict with a housing estate built over where the main offices stood. I served my apprenticeship with them in the late 70’s.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Oh my goodness the Sinclair C5. I remember seeing them on the television whilst watching the evening news with my dad. (Well he was watching , I was just waiting for whatever was on afterwards) They said they would become the mode of transport for the busy London executive* 🤣 Ah the 80s, good times, good times. That said, I’m still waiting for the “Flying Car” and that hovering skateboard I was promised - we were ripped off, ripped off I say 🤣 🙂🐿🌈❤️ *and if you broke down, you could have it serviced by Hoover apparently 🤣 Some of the old print ads for the C5 are hilarious.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I still want a C5...

[@tomcole7688]

I think there are a few more advantages of the wheel design 1. Water loss would be negligible vs traditional lock 2. Can lift/ drop both directions at same time 3. Replaces several lifts ( would have required a series of traditional locks for height difference) Another great short documentary David, thank you so much for sharing it, and kudos to the trust for helping folks get out and enjoy an otherwise inaccessible outdoor activity in some beautiful country!

[@WmRob]

We visited two years ago and boarded the tour boat for the quick trip. The boat master spoke with such a heavy brogue that my wife and I totally missed the whole narration but he was apparently hilarious and kept the other passengers entertained. Of course, he and the passengers knew we were the only non-UK’ers and Texans to boot, so we knew he had poured on the brogue to tease us. When the tour was over, as we disembarked, the boat master kiddingly asked me if I enjoyed the narration. I smiled and said “Absolutely. You know I have quite an ear for accents and your Russian accent is about accurate as I have ever heard.”

[@jimmclam]

The critics of the bagpipes should respect their origins in the era before electronic assists! They were the communication devices from mountaintop to mountaintop and a big improvement over smoke signals!

[@catherinewilson3880]

As someone who has to suffer the sound of the pipes for hours every single day, I wish they'd gone the way of smoke signals, tbh. They made this video very difficult to watch.

[@iainturner7545]

Ho Ho Ho - I respect the origins of air raid sirens, but I don’t really want someone annoying me with the things.

[@grendel_nz]

They are weapons of war and should be confined to outside, car parks etc. Definitely not thru tunnels!!

[@NeverlandSystemZor]

That wheel is incredible. What a masterpiece of engineering!

[@ZATennisFan]

That is one truly amazing piece of engineering in both design and execution

[@handiman5001]

to bad that so few of those that signed up for the flowtilla showed up, because the canal deserved the recognition -- good vid David be safe and see you on your next installment

[@cachecow]

You're making more videos now than when you were boating Thanks!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha that was part of the plan, yes. Not sure how long I can keep that up mind you hahahaha

[@englishmaninfrance661]

Your videos never disappoint . When they turn up it's the highlight of my week .

[@EJGentleman]

Hi David, so thankful to see the canals and a tour along the Scottish Union Canal. What a real treat. Enjoy your journey, and these videos are appreciated and wonderul.

[@darthginger85]

The sinclair c5 did steal the show at that meeting point

[@CruisingTheCut]

Which reminds me to browse eBay for one hahaha

[@darthginger85]

@@CruisingTheCut its always brings a smile to peoples faces

[@trixierosco]

Pretty cool! 3 charities in two days, excellent reporting David.

[@JeghedderThomas]

That's a deliciously green canal - oh to live there.

[@woodsontr]

Here’s an idea, a bagpipe and banjo concerto 😂👍 I like both instruments but wonder how they would be together! 😀 Thanks for the videos!

[@johna1160]

Why not add an accordion to the mix and get the torture trifecta!

[@joline2730]

They can sound very good together, but it does depend on the tune they play (preferably the same !!)

[@jasonterry5512]

From a retired engineer this still amazing and catches my attention even tho I completely understand how it operates. Please keep doing these videos. Hope you get back in the boat soon miss you crusing and talking videos. Dang swans and ducks. Hahhahahaa thanks David making my day as always.

[@scottbrandon6244]

The Trent-Severn waterway in Canada uses a number of devices to transport boats through the waterways. It is usually through a lock system. But there is one section where the boats have a high elevation like this. So they take a load of boats in a "railway car" style lock which then moves across a highway on rails to the other side where the boat(s) are lowered to the much lower level river section. Quite the sight to see in person.

[@williamlloyd3769]

The two canals served by the Falkirk wheel were previously connected by a series of 11 locks used to navigate the 35-metre (115 ft) difference in height.

[@rgarlinyc]

Such a wonderful, relaxing, wander through your "green and pleasant land" - thank you so very much!

[@janebrown3587]

Eeee! I still think that from certain angles that looks like a scary SciFi creation come to life. I always love the bagpipes :D Another beautiful canal trip - holy cow - such lush greenery!!

[@OhioticketswithRobert]

Enjoyed the playing of the pipes.

[@Bjornontour]

Another brilliant video with the extra bonus of a bagpipe blessing my ears while I’m watching it.I’m a very fortunate man to have come across this channel,indeed I am.

[@stanleyromanowski9816]

Edinboro University, in north western Pennsylvania, offers a tuition scholarship to individuals who play the bagpipes. Just a bit of trivia. As always, a great video!

[@hectordelvalle4428]

Thank you for a wonderful excursion on the canal. It was very soothing and rewarding to see. You have a very keen eye and the video you so produce is top notch. Please continue to show the world your escapade.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@warpscout]

As always... the production quality is just incredible!

[@johnmcmillen8263]

You captured some beautiful Scottish scenery!

[@minb1217]

What a very attractive stretch of canal. And the Falkirk Wheel is an amazing construction isn’t it. A very pleasant trio (including the Vandemonium journey to Scotland) of videos. With pipes as a bonus too! Love them!

[@Supernova-hq9hu]

Beautiful job on this one. I think you’re getting the hang of it old boy.

[@MrShabby169]

As a piper myself I have to say that this piper wasn't half bad..

[@rhiannyn]

half bad, lol...he was, at one time, ranked 168 in the world. As a piper you know how many of us are out there, right? from damn pitiful (me) to pure excellence (Jack Lee, Callum Beaumont, Stuart Liddell, Bruce Gandy, Iain Speirs, Glen Brown, Angus MacColl.... etc) 10s of 1000s... so much better than half bad. :P

[@nealdrayton6]

Was there 2/6/22 absolute awesome sight to watch

[@tonybirdwell2624]

Looks as though a GRAND time was had by all.

[@Margaret_J]

Fabulous to see that Wheel in action And oh the Pipes, the pipes...😀😀 but no bagpipes emoji ha ha!! Loved the colourful escort of kayaks across the aquaduct Thanks for the fun Cheerio the noo!!!🤣🤣 Am so laughing at that!! Great vlog as always Quite cheered up my day that has!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm pleased that outro was enjoyed :-)

[@iangill8984]

A refreshing interlude at a different pace of life.

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

Whel, yule take the highroad, David and I'll take the low. The idea of the Seagull, is a mighty fine one.- Like those unique e-pedalac Trikes from the '80's. May your dream come true. Thankyou for that whee bit of Scotland, David.

[@sarahaugustine4185]

Scotland is beautiful and a Country I have always wanted to visit. Thank you for sharing the wonderful work the charity is doing.

[@ritubohra2559]

Amazing, superb, fantastic vlog👍🏻👍🏻pleasure to watch it💯

[@spankmygimp]

BEST EPSIODE YET! welcome to scotland. I know every inch of this i love to cycle and fish it. good info on the greeting and smiling bridge i never knew the reason for the faces it had always interested me

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janetcreasman6441]

Thanks David for bringing us along for the ride(s)! Wheel absolutely fascinating and countryside glorious, just what was needed after a longish day...j

[@trevormiddleton]

I lived just up the road from The Butterley Company - on Outram Street, no less! - during the construction of the Falkirk Wheel, and heard about the project from a friend's son, who worked there at the time. Sad to say, The Butterley Company is no more, the site of the mighty engineering works wrangled over by the local authority and its current owner. Thankfully, there is now a Butterley Ironworks Trust, which was formed to secure the future of the small number of listed buildings on the site. Incidentally, the Cromford Canal runs directly under the old Butterley Ironworks, and incorporates a wharf complex at a depth of 30m, known as the Wide Hole.

[@Roadcalldude]

Loved the pipes. I’m a Yank but, for some reason, pipes bring tears to my eyes. The lift at the beginning is brilliant. If we ever come to visit the UK, I would love to see these boats.

[@shirleylynch7529]

Fabulous. Thoroughly enjoyed this. What a very pleasant cruise. Thank you for taking us with you

[@brianwillson9567]

If you are going to restore a derelict canal, the wheel certainly does it with style.

[@floydbertagnolli944]

My compliments to the many wonderful volunteers…Lockies, tree trimmers, rides for disabled, etc. 🥰

[@carycoombe3380]

I liked the bit about the "Laughin & Greetin Bridge".

[@mitchkahle314]

You've got to love the British/Scottish engineering here.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yup

[@CrazyPetez]

It’s always a pleasure to cruise the canals, David.

[@leswallace2426]

You managed to pass about two hundred metres from my flat in Polmont on the outskirts of Falkirk! If I'd known I'd have walked up to the Union and shouted a hello! I really hope you enjoyed your trip to oor wee toon, the UC is a stunning canal I absolutely love it. PS - the remains of a sperm whale, 30 metres above sea level, were once dug up not that far from where the Falkirk Wheel would one day be built. It got there either by a process called isostatic uplift or possibly by an ancient tsunami. I'm desperately trying to get more background information to push for a display to be created at the wheel - surprising examples of man made and natural uplift, nice symmetry.

[@Suho1004]

Thanks for taking us along! It's a dream of mine to visit the Falkirk Wheel some day. Until then, this will suffice.

[@UnitSe7en]

10:00 Watching the road above, I had to do a double-take.

[@jcderby129]

😆

[@mattwruff]

Ok, those little ducks were hilarious! Superb job as always David. You were my first 'Subscription' way back when I think you only had 40K. Looked like Scotland weather this time!

[@CruisingTheCut]

👍😀

[@gailsoor1015]

Thanks for another interesting, funny and entertaining video, David!

[@oceana9294]

It's always amazing to be watching the progress of the boats and then, when it seems you are miles from anywhere, to see so many people walking the towpath. Thanks for highlighting this 200th anniversary of the Scottish Union Canal.

[@stephenhayes6133]

Thank you David, for the second video of the Scottish union canal.

[@Capitaine.Albator]

I love regular updates! Love it! Thanks for all the great content! 👍🏻✌🏻🇨🇦

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@goody2shoes831]

David, you are one my favorites! Your vlogs are always well produced & sprinkled with great info & humor! Cheers from Idaho, USA.

[@roymillard5784]

A pair of very enjoyable videos. I appreciate the pipes. I am also fascinated by the Wheel. Why are Scots engineers historically so exceptional?

[@frednorman1]

Fascinating boat life! What imaginative engineering!

[@persevere777]

Another great video, so glad you are continuing to share these canal adventures with us👍

[@NathanElcoate]

Lovely episode, David. Thankyou. Looked absolutely iddylic alright.

[@SledgeOfHouseHammer]

16:08 "Paddle faster. I hear bagpipes."

[@BeefaloBart]

Love to see a full video just on the rotating lock.

[@ShannonGraceM]

Oh my gods the wheel is so beautiful. An amazing feat of engineering, that gearing is amazing,

[@juleneedmond8582]

I love the way you combined the cruising with your campervan. Thank you.

[@NutCracker]

David @CrusingTheCut well what can i say, you have excelled your self, totally brilliant, felt like i had taken the trip with you. well done sir

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@nancycraig5601]

Looks like a wonderful day. Thank you for sharing. 😁

[@CruisingTheCut]

It was!

[@AwlDeigh]

Magnificent! Thank you for this video

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@glencrandall7051]

A wonderful way to spend a day. 👍👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes it was!

[@karlasabineweber]

Lovely! Simply delightful. Thank you, David!

[@japrods1]

Thanks again for the coverage. Not quite the numbers expected but still a nice celebration. You’re welcome back anytime. C

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you!

[@comfortablynumb2970]

Again, another wonderful vlog about an important milestone. And your absolutely right about bagpipes. You truly do not appreciate the power and high volume that can be generated by such a small contraption until you experience it in person. Also, thank you for the links you provided to me last time. Very informative, and cleared up my confusion. Thanks!

[@ToddTalksTech]

I do hope after all that extensive and beautiful filming, David was able to find a cheese sandwich in Linlithgow! Great job!

[@debbieoconnor7054]

Really enjoyable video David. Thanks for sharing

[@bus5530]

Thank you David. Always a pleasure to watch your channels.

[@lyndarichardson4744]

Very interesting video David, thanks !

[@JH-qv3xv]

Always a fun ride. Thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@eekee6034]

I've always wanted a C5 too! :D With modern batteries, I think it would be pretty good along the trails, but the real reason I want it is, of course, the 80s futuristic looks.