The History of the Caledonian Canal in Scotland

If you're considering a Scottish cruise, chances are you'll have heard of the Caledonian Canal. It is rightly famous for its beauty and there is really is no better way to experience the delights of this lovely waterway than from the water itself! If your Scottish cruise itinerary includes the Caledonian Canal, you'll travel on a leisurely journey through some of Scotland's most stunning countryside.

However, there is more to a Scottish cruise than simply sightseeing, and the canal has a long and intricate history dating back to 1773.

Construction of the Caledonian Canal

The route of the canal was first surveyed in 1773. James Watt (who was the main impetus behind the canal) and his supporters believed that construction of the canal would provide a safe shipping route for the British Royal Navy. With this in mind, the route was designed to avoid the notorious passage through the Pentland Firth and around Cape Wrath.

After the Highland Clearances (in which a significant number of people were displaced), opportunities for employment in Scotland were very low, so the construction of the canal was deemed to be a positive move. In 1803, once construction was authorised by Parliament, Thomas Telford and William Jessop were commissioned to survey and complete the job – with a planned time of seven years and a cost of £474,000.

In 1815, the Battle of Waterloo saw Napoleon defeated and the impending threat to the British Naval shipping virtually vanished – which proved fortuitous as the canal was, by then, very much behind schedule and over budget. In fact, the canal – which included 29 lochs and covered a length of 22 miles - was not completed until 1822, and the costs had spiralled to £910,000.

From 1843, over the following six years, the canal was gradually closed. The lochs at Corpach had defected and James Walker, an associate of Telford, was employed to deal with the issues. In 1873, the canal regained some popularity after Queen Victoria took a cruise along it. During WWI, shipping increased along the canal in an attempt to keep vessels safe from the German fleets patrolling the Northern coastline of Scotland, and in 1920 the canal’s ownership was handed over to the Ministry of Transport.

The 1930s saw paddle steamers commence operating passenger services along the Great Glen, and during the 1960s the canal was given a makeover with new hydraulics and mechanics. In 1962, the canal once again was transferred to a different owner – this time the British Waterways. After a lengthy period of neglect, in 1995 the canal closed for what was to be 10 years, while it underwent huge restoration works.

In 2005 the Caledonian Canal was reopened and today continues to be used for both commercial and tourism purposes. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the legendary scenery and immerse in the picturesque landscape from the comfort and luxury of a Scottish cruise.

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways. We can provide you with a luxury, all-inclusive Scottish cruise to enjoy the sights of the most picturesque waterways. Wonderful barge cruises are also offered in France, Holland, and Italy.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.