The Caledonian Canal

Canal picture sequence

The Caledonian Canal brought many changes to Inverness. More than 1,000 navvies were employed on the construction of the canal in the years 1805/6. The Caledonian Canal opened in 1822 at a cost of £905,258. Today the annual running costs for the British Waterways excluding major repair work is £1,000,000. Before the building of the canal, the river Ness flooded uncontrollably into low-lying areas of the town. The canal itself was seen by the government partially as a job creation scheme. Their intention was to retain Highlanders as a source of soldiery for the Napoleonic wars. Vessels sailing from Glasgow to Inverness saved 227 miles by using the canal.

The Highlands of Scotland. The chances are you've been here before. Or perhaps you know someone who has and they have told you all about it. Either way, you have high expectations and we don't think that you are going to be disappointed! (Of course, if it is all new then you are in for a real treat)