Dams plug Union Canal breach

DAMS have now been placed either side of the breach of the Union Canal and the flow halted.

This means that the water level on the side of the feed to the canal is slowly being restored, re-floating the grounded boats on the east, and pumping will begin to restore the level on the west side of the breach.

Heavy rainfall

Scottish Canals lost no time in placing the clay dams to stop the loss of water by the breach that occurred after the thunderstorms and heavy rainfall flooded the canal and caused the collapse of its bank.

The water from the breach was so violent that it damaged the tracks of the main Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line that has been closed since, with work now underway.

The water also flooded fields with fish scattered about with those alive being rescued.