Edinburgh's community canal barge seeks final funds for electric replacement

Campaigners are closing in on the final funding needed to replace the iconic Lochrin Belle barge boat with an electric version.

Over the past 17 years, the ‘big purple boat’ has brought thousands of people closer to nature while driving down Edinburgh’s Union Canal.

The Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust (FCCT) says the remaining £10,000 is the last piece of the jigsaw which, alongside the sale of the barge and £112,000 support from Foundation Scotland, will allow FCCT to make a fully electric fleet a reality.

The hope is that the replacement will play an important step toward a cleaner, more sustainable canal environment – saving around 1.7 tonnes of emissions every year.

Development manager Rachel Sedman told STV News: “The boat is no longer fit for the purpose we want to use it for, and it requires certain regulations to be met by the Marine Coastguard Agency who certify the boat as fit for passengers.

“We’ve raised £112k from Foundation Scotland as a loan and grant to support the project, and we’re going to use the sale of the boat as another piece of funding for the puzzle.

“This crowdfunder is a key part of what we need to raise to make the project a reality.”

The much-loved vessel has hosted a number of community projects and volunteer-led schemes over the years, and the move to electric is part of ensuring the barge can continue operating in the most sustainable way.

Volunteer development manager Rob Loch said: “As you can see, we operate in a very natural environment.

“We want to make the minimum amount of impact on the environment as we go about our business. We want to get people to engage with the canal, and we want them to do that in an environmentally sustainable way.

“We’re looking at replacing the boat with something much more environmentally friendly. It’s going to be electric drive, it’s going to have solar panels. With the calculations we’ve made, we’re going to save just under two tonnes of carbon per year operating in the canal the way we do now.

“There’s a big movement towards making canal boats more environmentally friendly, so we’re doing our bit as a boating community.”

Each year, more than 4,000 people experience Edinburgh’s Union Canal through FCCT’s community trips, which are supported by a team of around 60 dedicated volunteers.

These volunteers, many of whom have overcome personal challenges, gain confidence, skills, and connection through their work on the water.

Anthony has been volunteering on the Belle since its launch STV News

Anthony Jackson-Kerr says he has built a strong connection with the Lochrin Belle over his 17 years volunteering with her.

“I have a personal history with this barge, so I’ll be a bit sad when she goes away. I’ve been sailing for almost 20 years, so I’m acutely aware the use of diesel is massively prevalent in pretty much all boating, and petrol to a lesser degree.

“It will be great for the community, and trying to find ways to be more green in this push for our community group to go electric is definitely good.

“I certainly understand the push to be more green. I don’t know where she’ll end up, I’d love to think I’ll see her around.”

The Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust is continuing to seek support to hit its fundraising goal and hopes to secure the remainder of the money before the boat is scheduled to arrive next autumn.

“The boat is being built next year, so people can still donate to us,” Rachel said. “We’ve got some smaller grants outstanding. We’ll need money for equipment to put on the boat – it’s very much an ongoing concern.”