Welcome to The Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society, one of the smallest and friendliest canal societies on the Scottish Lowland Canals.

Our Society takes its name from the section of the Union Canal in West Lothian upon which it operates. This lies between Bridge 19, the first bridge in West Lothian, just east of the M8 after the Linn’s Mill Aqueduct, and Bridge 40 which is just west of Philpstoun.

The Society’s name was also meant to convey its role as a bridge between several local communities along the Union Canal.

We own two narrowboats: Bluebell, a 45 foot boat which is used for public boat trips, however 

If you yourself have walked along the canal recently, you may have noticed a FOR SALE notice in Bluebell’s window at her mooring at Drumshoreland. Reluctantly the Society has decided to sell her as it is no longer economical to repair her for use as a passenger boat although she would make a lovely houseboat for someone. We are however not leaving the canal!

The Society is going to use the proceeds from the sale plus funds we already hold to buy a replacement boat. However, these alone will not be sufficient. We have therefore started a fundraising campaign will be applying for matched funding to buy the boat which will take us forward into the future to enable us to continue offering different types of trips, and  charters, to take part in community events and to maintain a presence along our stretch of the canal by doing litter picking, reporting problems to Scottish canals and cutting down overgrown foliage.  In the meanwhile, we will still have our work boat, Roseann so give us a wave if you see us on the canal which we use for canal environmental work.

Through use of our boats we aim to encourage the people living in the communities along the canal to take an interest in the canal and help maintain it as a pleasant amenity for boating, walking, cycling or fishing.

Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society is a registered charity (SC023110) run solely by volunteers and supported by donations and income from events and boat trips.

We aim to make all our activities as inclusive and cost-effective as possible and are always pleased to welcome new volunteers.

We've photographed and provided some associated information on the heritage of the Union Canal Bridges from 19 to 40. Follow this link for a virtal journey through the bridges on our fascinating stretch of the Union Canal: 

https://sway.office.com/P67Wx3T38wg0Fcve?ref=email