Avon Aqueduct

The Avon Aqueduct carries the Union Canal over the River Avon near Linlithgow in West Lothian. It stands where the canal crosses a deep valley, linking Edinburgh to Falkirk. The structure was designed by Hugh Baird with advice from Thomas Telford and built between 1819 and 1821. Three similar aqueducts were planned at the same time, but only this one and two others were completed. The aqueduct crosses from West Lothian into Falkirk Council area, so it has two separate historic listings. It is recognised as a category A listed building. The aqueduct is the longest and tallest in Scotland and the second longest in Britain. It is over 810 feet long and rises 86 feet above the river. Twelve stone arches support an iron water trough that keeps the water in and reduces the weight on the structure. The piers are hollow and can be entered through a small door beneath the canal. Stone towpaths run along both sides of the canal, each 4 feet wide. Visitors can walk along the towpaths or view the aqueduct from Muiravonside Country Park. The river flows beneath the eastern end, where the aqueduct curves slightly. The iron trough and stone arches create a striking pattern against the landscape. The towpaths provide a clear route for walkers to follow the canal in both directions. The height and length of the structure make it an impressive sight from the riverbank or the park.