IT'S 60-foot long, bright purple, weighs over 12 tonnes and was today seen floating in Edinburgh's Union Canal.

Around 50 people watched the boat splashdown on the canal stretch off Fountainbridge, to the rear of Cargo bar.

The new vessel will double the capacity of canal boat operator Re-Union's corporate and community resource facilities on the waterway, and has been made possible by a £150,000 grant from Big Lottery.

Further support was provided by the Henry Smith Charity, One City Trust and Capital City Partnerships.

The boat was initially due to hit the water just after 7am but things didn't go entirely to plan.

Engineers had to toil for a further three hours on the hoisting equipment before it was deemed safe.

The boat was finally put in place at around 10am, to the sound of loud cheering by the patient guests who had waited in biting spring weather.

Among them was local MSP David McLetchie. He said: "The Union Canal runs through my Edinburgh Pentlands constituency and the launch of the new Re-Union Community Canal Boat is an exciting event.

"This builds on the substantial investment which has been made in upgrading the canal in recent years and turning it into an excellent recreational facility.

"I look forward to cruising the canal with Re-Union and would encourage businesses and community groups to make full use of the new boat."

Mr McLetchie was joined by Edinburgh City Council "canal champion" councillor Tim McKay, Peter Whiteway from Fountain Court Apartments as well as several representatives from local community groups.

Steve Dunlop, director of British Waterways Scotland, said: "This addition to the Fountainbridge area will increase access to the canal for many different users."

To mark the occasion, Re-Union was asking people to "Sponsor a Slab" and received donations from people to buy and sign a piece of ballast to go on to the hull before splashdown.

The organisation Re-Union supports people from disadvantaged backgrounds and aims to develop practical and social skills through volunteer development programmes.

One such programme in May 2004 saw volunteers successfully fit out Re-Union's existing narrowboat, which has a capacity of 12 and has since been used for a range of activities, from staff away days to environmental education.

Barbara Lyon, development manager of Re-Union Canal Boats, said: "The canal boat provides a unique experience for business and social groups and is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon."

• www.re-union.org.uk

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