Edinburgh considers solar lighting for canal towpaths

In Edinburgh the use of solar-powered lighting is being mooted for ten miles of canal towpath, reports the Scotsman.

The idea is part of a new plan to encourage more people to use the Union Canal towpath in the city after dark. British Waterways Scotland, the body responsible for managing Scotland's canal network, is discussing with the city council a plan that would see the installation of solar lighting along a length of the historic waterway between Viewforth bridge, near Edinburgh Quay, and the City Bypass at Wester Hailes.

Richard Millar, waterway development manager at British Waterways Scotland, told the Scotsman: "More and more people use the waterway year-round for leisure and commuting to work, so we have been looking recently at the benefits of installing small compact solar-powered LED lights within the new upgraded sections of towpath.

"Such low pollution directional lights would give those walking or cycling along the canal early in the morning or after twilight greater visibility, particularly around the edges of the towpath and when approaching bridges.

"The lights would also increase the health benefits brought by the canal corridor by extending the usability of this environmentally-friendly artery, which runs into the heart of the Capital."

A trial has already been carried by British Waterways Scotland and the city council with local organisations including cycling group Spokes and the community councils on hand to observe how the lighting would look in the hours of darkness.

Edinburgh city council has yet to make a decision on whether to provide funding.