New West Lothian marina offering 'homes on the water' opens with flotilla

A new marina in West Lothian was unveiled on Thursday, with locals gathering for a celebration.

The Winchburgh Marina opening saw hundreds gather to mark the opening, with a flotilla of canal boats, canoes and paddleboards entering to a backdrop of bagpipes.

Residents in the area who have been awaiting the marina for decades said it was "fantastic". They hope the new spot will help create a town with "character and personality".

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The marina is the latest milestone in the growth of Winchburgh, and part of the emerging town centre. More housing is set to be constructed in the area, with plans for leisure units, restaurants and cafes also in place.

Winchburgh Developments worked with Scottish Canals to develop the facility, which can accommodate up to 20 narrowboats for locals and tourists. A further 29 moorings are set to be constructed.

Mandy Baird, a local resident, said: "I was seriously sceptical 20 years ago about such an ambitious project as this becoming a reality, but I’m happy to eat my words.

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"It’s fantastic and something the community as well as visitors to the area can enjoy. I have been on Winchburgh Community Council for many years now and when John Hamilton of Winchburgh Developments came along in 2004 to discuss and show the community the future plans for our village, he said they were going to put on a Marina and I remember saying: ‘A Marina? If you build a Marina, I would jump in naked!’

"Well, 20 years on and we have our Marina."

Fellow local resident Graham Campbell, who serves as chair on Winchburgh Community Council added: "This is the latest piece in the puzzle towards carefully creating a town with character and personality with features that enable a great quality of life. Winchburgh is so well-placed in terms of links to road, cycleways and the Union Canal, and the new marina is a great addition to all the amazing development taking place here."

Claudia McPhail of Bridge 19-40 Canal Society said: “We’re delighted that the canal is once again becoming the heart of a community and hope the new marina will have a great future in and for Winchburgh! It is such a boost and much-needed positive development.”

Scottish Canals’ Chief Executive Officer John Paterson said: “We’re delighted to take occupancy of Winchburgh Marina, this latest addition to Scottish Canals’ growing moorings portfolio.

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"Winchburgh Marina is a fantastic example of how we are making the most of Scotland’s canals, through working with partners across the public, third and private sectors we’re able to offer new opportunities for those living on or near water.

“We’re excited to work with Winchburgh Developments Limited, our passionate boating community on the Union Canal and the community here at Winchburgh to create a vibrant hub for people to live, work and enjoy for the long term and I would encourage anyone who has ever had a fleeting thought about living on water, starting a business on the canal or ditching a caravan for a canal boat to get in touch with our moorings team.”