Edinburgh Quay

The completion of Edinburgh Quay in 2008 was a notable landmark for Miller Developments. The six year project represented the first public-private development venture for British Waterways and the first canal-side mixed-use development. Based in the Lochrin Basin at Fountainbridge, close to Edinburgh City Centre, the venture is at the heart of the area’s regeneration.

To help give it a new lease of life, and to make the completion of the Edinburgh end of the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals, Edinburgh Quay Limited is working with the social enterprise charity, Re-Union Canal Boats. They run community and commercial projects along the Union Canal, working with a wide range of people to develop practical, social and life skills to help them achieve their full potential. The additional investment means Re-Union are able to produce an even greater mix of social and cultural activities. The aim is to increase visitor and volunteer numbers significantly, causing knock-on economic benefits for the local area. 

Since its inception in 2004, Re-Union has already attracted and engaged with a diverse range of people and organisations such as Women into Work, the Single Dads’ Club and Clovenstone Primary School. Employability programmes, activities to support people as they overcome illness and social events are some of the many initiatives that help people who use the charity to increase their confidence and rebuild self-esteem. Projects such as the Big Boat Build and My Canal My Canoe enabled youngsters to construct their own wooden canoes, learn practical woodworking and organisational skills as well as engaging with the local environment.