First look at ‘West Lothian Riveria’ as Scots marina undergoes major revamp
SCOTLAND'S newest marina has been unveiled as hundreds of people gathered at the "West Lothian Riviera".
The facility in Winchburgh, West Lothian, opened today in the country's fastest growing town as its first boats were welcomed.
The marina is situated on the Union Canal and it has been dubbed the "West Lothian Riviera".
During its unveiling, 500 people, including 250 pupils from four local schools, gathered to welcome its first boats.
A flotilla of canal boats arrived at Winchburgh Marina and were greeted by jubilant residents.
E-boats, canoes, and paddleboards also took to the water as bagpipes welcomed the vessels.
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Local Mandy Baird 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. 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 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.”
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The marina, overlooked by apartments, marks the latest milestone in the growth of Winchburgh and lies adjacent to an emerging town centre that is already home to a Sainsburys supermarket.
More housing will be constructed near the facility, with plans restaurants, cafés and facilities for Scottish Canals also earmarked.
Winchburgh Developments Ltd worked with Scottish Canals to develop the marina, which can accommodate up to 20 narrowboats for tourists and residential berths.
There are also plans for a further 29 moorings along the busy waterway.
John Hamilton, CEO of Winchburgh Developments Ltd, said, "Today marks a major milestone in the sustainable and sensitive development of Winchburgh and it gives me great pleasure to handover the completed marina to Scottish Canals. It will, I’m sure, prove to be not only a major asset to people here but, we hope, a significant draw to those considering moving to be a part of this exciting community.
"So far, we are proud to have created an 85-acre community park, major motorway link, new retail spaces, and to have played a part in the realisation of a state-of-the-art three-school education campus, all while attracting developers to create a range of exciting homes for our new residents.”
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. 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.”
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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.”
Further plans are in place for Winchburgh’s water-based activities, with the quarry in nearby Daisy Park set to be transformed into a leisure facility.