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17th October 2023 - Scottish Canals
Biggar
Probus Club met for their second meeting of their autumn session on 17 October
2023. Our
speaker was Ross Speirs from Scottish Canals, where he is Head of Engineering
and Infrastructure. He began by giving us short histories of the canals for
which they are responsible. These remarkable engineering projects, including the
Caledonian and Crinan Canals have lasted for over 200 years, in some cases being
continuously used throughout that time. The two major inland canals, the Forth
and Clyde from Bowling to Grangemouth and the Union Canal from Edinburgh to
Falkirk both became disused in the mid 20th Century but were revived
and reconnected via the Falkirk Wheel boat lift as part of the 2000 Millenium
celebrations. Mr Speirs described the major works involved in this project,
and how the Falkirk Wheel was designed and constructed. He also spoke in detail
about the Kelpies – the two giant iconic sculptures of horses’ heads which are
now a major visitor attraction near the Falkirk Wheel. He finally spoke about the problems of maintaining the
network of canals, bridges and related structures in the period of global
warming and associated climate change. The vote
of thanks was given by Graham Stewart. The next
meeting is on 7 November in Biggar Municipal Hall at 10.00 when we will welcome
Robbie Glen who will speak on Scottish Prisons. All are welcome to attend. |