A FLOTILLA of 16 historic vessels is to sail the length of one of Scotland's most scenic canals to celebrate the Year of Homecoming, it will be announced today.
The Crossing, a five-day event next month on the Caledonian Canal, will see yachts, fishing boats and a replica galley travel between Banavie, near Fort William, and Inverness.
They have been chosen to represent the type of craft which have used t
he 60-mile waterway since it opened in 1822. The canal includes Lochs Ness, Oich and Lochy.
Those taking part in the 16-20 June celebration include Galley Aileach, the only replica of a Scottish Highland galley built, the Swan, a 109-year-old fishing smack, and a Dutch cargo vessel built in 1912.
A former 1960s Orkney lifeboat and various yachts and motor cruisers from several countries will join the flotilla.
British Waterways, the organiser, is also staging canalside arts performances to attract visitors. Ronnie Simpson, its leisure development manager, said: "The canal was chosen because it runs through the Great Glen, with many popular viewing areas.
"The Crossing will span the length of the canal from Neptune's Staircase locks at Banavie to Muirtown Basin in Inverness.
"It will use song, musical interludes, dance, story-telling and drama to highlight the scenery and celebrate the culture, which will not only educate but hopefully encourage more visitors to the canal.
"We expect other boats to double the size of the flotilla, and the sight of sails in Loch Ness will be spectacular."
