The Falkirk Wheel - What is it? What's it for? And how did it come about?

The Falkirk Wheel, is the world's only rotating boat lift. But why is it so unique? Why is it so beautiful? And why is it needed?

The Falkirk Wheel is a functional work of art that joins the Union Canal to the Forth and Clyde Canal, connecting waterways between Edinburgh, Falkirk and Glasgow.

Follow my adventures as I travel through the landscapes and history of Scotland. I make quick, quirky and (hopefully) funny content about Scotland's past, people and scenery.

I look for the hidden stories, forgotten people and beautiful scenery of Scotland and try to find the funny in the darkness, obscurity and occasional absurdity of our history.

Follow my quest on social media:

Instagram: @scotlandunplugged
TikTok: @scotlandunplugged

Equipment used:

Filmed on Apple iPhone 11

Follow my adventures on social media:

Instagram: @scotlandunplugged
TikTok: @scotlandunplugged

[Shpeofmyheart]

That is definitely the coolest (and most beautiful) boat lift I've ever seen! 😮

[clairehislop]

The Wheel has always fascinated me, there's just something so majestic about it

[DawnaLeigh]

Unbelievable! I had no idea there was something like that in existence. If it weren't for you I would still be in the dark. Thank you for another incredible journey through Scotland ❣️

[shirleylaboy]

I live near the Erie canal in central NY. It has much the same history with the making of the canal to the horses pulling the barges. Today, it still remains open and used for recreational boating as well as some commercial shipping in certain parts. Thank you for sharing the history of your canal. 🙂❤️

[suellenspencer-ebnv]

What a great video. Love Scotland's history. You make it come alive. Thank you.

[kathleendolan]

You are a joy to listen to. I love how you make history interesting. Thank you ❤️✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[salchipapa]

This is so cool. I am increasingly motivated to visit Scotland thanks to your videos.

[samanthadillard]

That boat lift thing at the end that is really really pretty and yes them horses are absolutely gorgeous

[lechatbotte.]

I saw this wheel sometime back I thought it was so cool. We don’t have fun stuff like this so I’m living vicariously lol

[margaretkaraba]

Weirdy, the movement of the rotating lock reminds me of a sewing machine bobbin/shuttle hook mechanism (which I find beautiful as well).

[kimberlypatton]

I remember seeing this a few years ago in another video and being in awe then! But on top of your excellent backstory, As a retired horticulturist I just cannot get over the breathtaking beauty of Scotland!

[bethotoole]

I must admit I am so envious. I live in the US where it seems almost impossible for things to be built with any kind of intrinsic beauty. We do big, we do innovative, we don't do beauty very well though.

Multiple decades ago I lived in Belgium. It was the first time I'd seen a canal in real life. Often still pulled by horses, , the barges seemed quaint. It was years before I truly understood the importance of them.

They are quaint, and beautiful, and they were enormously important to the growth of their economies. Especially during the war.. I made friends with a woman whose husband ran a barge during the war... terrifying, heroic, yet to an outsider still very quaint.

I envy where you live, , I appreciate that you are sharing that beauty.

Oh yeah, , , , bring on the death!!!

[DrewShark]

You have such a melodic voice and poetic way of speaking. History is made more entertaining by you. Thank you. (your humor is not wasted either)

[cindyrissal]

Dang, that thing is cool! Many kudos to the guy who came up with it. Much better than 44 gates & a whole day used up...

[junesmith]

Hello from Perth Scotland...the hoof gp sent me hahaha ❤ so excited to watch all your video's as i love Scottish history ❤

[elizabethghent]

This the best video I have seen on You Tube for a long time, magnificent both history and visually. I watch many videos relating to Scotland and its history, how could have I missed your channel? Now I can spend my time catching up. Thank you so much. I am Scottish Canadian 81 years old. I have been on the Falkirk wheel it is amazing.

[seuchengaul]

one of the best closing sentences ever!

[sharonm]

Wow! Can you imagine back in that time period the brains it took for such a thing to even be built and work! Absolutely incredible to see the modern version of the boat lift. What an incredible intellectual work of art!

[kimberlythegamer]

Awesome video as always and I love how more information about past videos gets weaved into new videos and continues the story

[lindaarmstrongjackman]

That is a beautiful lift lock. For decades I lived near the Peterborough Liftlock on the Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario, Canada. Ours is somewhat less sculptural, is the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world, with a lift of 19.8 metres. It has two chambers and was constructed between 1896 to 1904. 😊🇨🇦