Inspiration

This is Tony Kettle demonstrating how he was inspired by a Lego helicopter set, which gave rise to his design of the Falkirk Wheel.

Under the auspices of the Seagull Trust we joined the Edinburgh U3A Science Group (of which we are members when choir practices allow) for a brilliant day learning about and the travelling on the canal.

Our tour began at the City Centre offices of Kettle Collective architects, where Tony described the remit to construct a method of joining once more the Forth and Clyde canal with the Union Canal, which had fallen into disuse and, in many parts, filled in. He described design considerations and construction of the wheel; we learned that, among other artistic features, the semi-circular hoops over the caisson have no constructional function but serve to frame the view - see the effect in the extra photo.

We were then transported by coach to the canal basin and, after a modest lunch, boarded the Wooden Spoon Seagull, one of a fleet of 'Seagull-named' boats the trust owns. We traveled up the Wheel and along the canal until almost within sight of Falkirk High station, before returning.

The trip proved both instructive and enjoyable in perfect weather.