"Ratho
Princess"
Edwardian Luxury Cruising Launch
First launched in Norfork in 1923 as "Prince", this motor launch
was re-launched as "Ratho Princess" after restoration in 1994. She
is fitted out in true art deco style and is a fast mover.
In 2003 the "Ratho Princess" was refitted to
operate as a long distance canal cruising boat with the addition of a galley and
sleeping berths. She can now accommodate 6 passengers in luxury and is
spacious and has every comfort for year round cruising. Beautifully
decorated in the finest quality furnishings, her impeccable service for a warm,
welcoming and friendly crew has earned her an unrivalled reputation,
There's space to move around and observe passing scenery or just to sit and
let it all float by.
Travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow, then on into Bowling
on the west coast aboard our luxury
canalboat with overnight stops at hotels along the way. Each leg
of our trip is different. We stop at a variety of places and make short
interesting shore excursions, perhaps to enjoy some fine Scottish hospitality,
take a walk in a quiet forest, visit an ancient monument plus lots more.
Photo
opportunities are at a premium during this trip, of the Edinburgh skyline and
Almond Aqueduct on day 1, The Falkirk Wheel on day 2, Scotland's only 'drive
through' chip shop on Day 3 and finally the picturesque Bowling Basin on day 4.
The
boat is fitted with everything you could need for such a trip. Lunch
stops have been tailored to add something special to the trip with time during
the break to take a look at Scotland at her best. Morning and afternoon
tea on board is traditional Scottish fare created from the freshest ingredients,
sourced locally.
History
The Union Canal was designed as a contour
canal, i.e. it follows the contours of the hills and in this case is 240 feet (73m)
above sea level, This is more economical with water and produces a long
level stretch of water with no locks. Being a contour canal the engineer
Hugh Baird was
confronted with some major obstacles notably taking the canal over the Rivers
Avon and Almond and The Water of Leith and also through Prospect Hill in
Falkirk. The Rivers were all crossed by means of aqueducts with the Avon
Aqueduct at 85 feet (26m) above the River and 900 feet (219m) long being the
longest and tallest Scottish aqueduct. The Union Canal passing many places
of historical interest and scenic grandeur on route.
The
Forth & Clyde Canal does not have the dressed stone bridges of the Union Canal,
all the over bridges were of the wooden bascule design which opened to allow the
tall masted sailing vessels through. Many more of the canalside buildings
have survived and are now being used either to their original design, e.g. The
Union Inn (Auntie Kates) a pub at Lock 16 in Camelon, or the old warehouses at
Speirs Wharf which are now converted to flats, amongst others.
A shipbuilding industry also sprang up on
the canalside, in some instances it was to build and repair lighters and canal
craft for firms located on the Canal, and in others it was to build fishing
vessels and the ships known as Puffers which travelled all round the Scottish
coast and became famous in films like "The Vital Spark" and "The Maggie".
Terms and
Conditions
Terms - We will
confirm your booking upon receipt of a 25% deposit with the balance payable 2
months before the cruise start date. For
full boat bookings: 25% is required to confirm the booking with a further 25%
payable 4 months prior to start date. The remaining 50% is payable 2
months prior to start date.
Cancellation -
If you cancel your booking your deposits will be forfeited. If you cancel
your booking with two months of the start of your holiday then you will be
liable for the full cost of the holiday.
Contact details:
e-mail
info@cruise-scotland.com
or phone 07801 430981.
