FCC made a big contribution to this year's Edinburgh Canal Festival which was a great success, despite the weather! Narrow boats plied up and down the canal all day, with passengers of all ages waving to passing craft and people on the towpath. We started off the day by joining the 'wee boats voyage', paddling from Harrison Park down to Lochrin Basin, together with hand-built craft (Canadian canoes, a currach and a coracle) made by community projects in the city.

Our old home at Lochrin Basin was busier than we'd ever seen it, with nearly all the moorings occupied. (The Leamington Lift Bridge operators were kept busy!) We soon found a base for our boats and displayed the FCC banner from the railings. Throughout the day, children and adults came to 'have a go' at paddling. It was great to see so many happy, smiling faces, just enjoying being on the water and learning a new skill. In the afternoon, we improvised a demo. of canoe skills, with the music of ex-Bhundu Boy, Rise Kagona playing live in the background!

Another highlight was watching the raft races (hilarious!). All kinds of raft (more or less 'canalworthy') took to the water, including a bed, a modified paddling pool and a wedding car (which sank!). We're already planning an entry for the raft race next year - any ideas?! The weather brightened during the afternoon and we finished off the day with a BBQ back at the boathouse.



Huge thanks to all who took part in this event, celebrating the canal, building community and introducing people to canoeing. Special thanks to Jonathan Riddell, Ben Golding, Johnny Dickson, David Dickson, Alistair Riddell, Mick James and family.