Enginering Innovation

The creation of the Wheel at Falkirk will ensure that the Millennium Link continues the innovative and creative traditions of their forebears when designing and building the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals. These two canals, which span the great canal age of Britain, are associated with a remarkable amount of innovation in engineering, with many unique features and engineering 'firsts'.

The Forth & Clyde Canal, which was completed in 1790, also has a branch into the centre of Glasgow. The Union Canal, completed in 1822, runs west from Edinburgh to join the Forth & Clyde Canal at Falkirk. And it is here at Falkirk that the most exciting feature of both the engineering project and the restored waterways is be situated - the Millennium Wheel.

The Millennium Wheel is a 25m-diameter boat lift which will join the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals near the Roman Antonine Wall, at Falkirk. As well as being critical to the restoration of the two canals, the wheel will be a great visitor attraction in its own right. An engineering masterpiece, using state-of-the-art modern mechanical, electronic and hydraulic engineering, it is a spectacular sight as it transports boats and people 25m from the height of the Union Canal down to the Forth & Clyde Canal and vice versa.