Scottish Canals uncovered historic Kelvin Aqueduct feature

As the repair of a significant leakage from the Kelvin Aqueduct is underway, Scottish Canals have uncovered a piece of history.

Built between 1787 and 1790, the Kelvin Aqueduct has stood for more than 236 years, carrying the Forth & Clyde canal over the River Kelvin.

It was the biggest aqueduct in Europe, where it became a tourist attraction.

Last year, the aqueduct sprang a leak which is what prompted this major repair and investigation project.

It was during one of these investigations that they discovered a piece of history.

It was the base of a wooden framework of the trough dating as far back as the canal’s construction.

It’s a significant and important part in the history of canal engineering.

It's thought to have functioned as a raised floor where it protected the masonry bed from keeled ships that sailed past the canal during the 18th century.

Chris O’Connell, heritage manager at Scottish Canals, said: “The wooden frame and timbers were constructed over the clay like a suspended floor and covering the entirety of the aqueduct’s base, from wall to wall.”

The project team will continue mapping out the aqueduct while collaborating with Historic Environment Scotland to record and conserve the wooden frame and its surviving structure.

Chris added: “Careful logging and 3D mapping are crucial at this stage to understand how the aqueduct was built and the materials used.

"No technical drawings have survived from the original construction work, so we are learning more about Robert Whitworth’s genius and construction methods as we go.

"The current works are necessary for the continued operation of the aqueduct and canal, but they are also a gold mine of historic information and finds, too.”

Local history and stonemasonry groups have been invited to attend the site.