Caledonian Canal, Lochs Locks and Pleasure Steamers

The Caledonian Canal was cut to link Scotland's east and west coasts and among its many users were boats engaged in herring fishing - as the fish migrated, they were followed from coast to coast by vessels using the canal as a short cut. There was also a thriving tourist trade, with holidaymakers travelling from as far south as Glasgow, sailing via the Clyde, the Crinan Canal, up the west coast and through the Caledonian Canal to Inverness. Thanks to Queen Victoria, this became known as the 'Royal Route'. These and other aspects of the canal's history are illustrated with 53 photographs.