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‘The Crossing’ - A Five Day Flotilla Event, Celebrating The Caledonian Canal

British Waterways Scotland announced the full details of ‘The Crossing’ today on Wednesday, 6 May. This unique five day flotilla event, celebrating the Caledonian Canal, runs from 16 – 20 June and is part of Homecoming Scotland 2009.

Following a Flotilla of boats making their journey from Neptune’s Staircase at Banavie (West) to Muirtown Basin in Inverness (East), the event will host a cultural feast of music, dance, story-telling and much more along the way.

Celebrating the vibrant and colourful 200 year history of the Caledonian Canal, The Crossing, part of Homecoming Scotland 2009, pays homage to the world famous culture of the local Highland communities which stretch along the 60 miles of canal.

Steve Dunlop, director, British Waterways Scotland, said: “British Waterways Scotland fully supports Homecoming Scotland 2009 and is proud to be a part of the celebrations by hosting an event on the Caledonian Canal. Scotland’s canals are a great asset and we are continuously growing and developing their offering to local communities and the country as a whole.

“The Crossing is a unique mix of activities celebrating the valued contribution the Caledonian Canal has made to the Highland communities, heritage and culture over the past 200 years. It truly encapsulates the meaning of Homecoming Scotland 2009 and we hope that the event will encourage more people to explore Scotland, by joining with the local community and heading north for all or part of The Crossing.”

Joining the amazing boats is a jam packed programme of activities, showing the Highlands definitely have talent! From 9ft tall bagpipe players with their trusted pooch, to animals doing the funniest things and story tellers bringing the past to life, to traditional music, song and dance as well as contemporary beats, The Crossing caters for all.

Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer, EventScotland, said: “Events like The Crossing showcase Scotland’s unique and vibrant heritage and the nation’s spectacular scenic landscape while also driving domestic and international tourism. The event also fits perfectly with the Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme which aims to welcome back many of the millions of people around the world who have a Scottish ancestry or a love for our country.

“We are delighted to be supporting British Waterways Scotland both through EventScotland’s Regional Events Programme and through Homecoming Scotland’s national programme of celebratory events and look forward to one of the highlights of the year.”

Other acts scheduled for the five day extravaganza include ‘The Telfords’, the quirky twin great-grandsons of the famous Thomas who designed the Caledonian Canal, who will provide a unique engineering lesson on the workings of the canal. Along the route there will be a chance to try out canal based activities such as boat trips and canoeing, while learning how to be SAFE (Stay Away From the Edge) on one of Scotland’s greatest assets. In Inverness, British Waterways Scotland will unveil the ‘Waterwalkerz’, man-sized inflatable spheres that magically walk on water.

The Flotilla itself will be a spectacular sight to follow throughout the event, with the 16 boats making their way along the canal in a colourful convoy. Boats from as far afield as Canada (The Milvina) as well as local gems will all join in the fun.

The Galley Aileach, which is the only replica of a Scottish Highland galley ever built, with a traditionally dressed crew and her own piper, will be a star attraction. The Mystique of Malahide is making the journey over from Dublin to celebrate it ancestors from the Great Glen, and the Het Leven, another authentic vessel, was traditionally used to trade between Scotland and the Netherlands.

The Swan Trust will be there with their 67ft Fife Fishing Smack, which was restored in 1994. And charity boat, Able 2 Sail, used to take disabled young people and adults sailing, will also join in the fun.

Russell Thomson, Highland canals manager for British Waterways Scotland said: “This event is an excellent way to recognise the 200 year history of the Caledonian Canal and the impact the canal has had on the local community. The Crossing will span the length of the canal from Banavie up to Muirtown Basin in Inverness using song, dance and drama to highlight some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, whist celebrating Highland culture.

“We hope that this creative event will not only educate people about the canal’s history, but will also encourage even more visitors to the area. We are looking forward to welcoming one and all this June to enjoy the delights of one of Scotland’s greatest assets.”

And, of course, food and drink will play and important part in The Crossing, with cookery demonstrations and a local produce market sponsored by Scotland Food & Drink who said: “Scotland Food & Drink is proud to be a sponsor of The Crossing. We are delighted that The Crossing is making such a feature of quality Scottish food and drink by hosting a local produce market and chef’s demonstration, and we are looking forward to being involved in such a fine showcase for the very best in Scottish food and drink.”

There will be a few drams too, with a classic whisky tour of Scotland.

Tickets are now on sale for the ‘Event Finale’ – The Crossing Midsummer Ceilidh featuring The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience on 20th June at Muirtown Basin (tickets available from www.thecrossing2009.com)