Bo'ness Canal

NS98SW 67 From 9382 to 9480.

See also map sheet - NS 95 80 to NS 96 80 - for continuation of the canal (NS 9580 to NS 9680).. There is no sign of it on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Linlithgowshire 1856, sheet 1) or on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Stirlingshire 1856, 1864, 1866, sheet xxv).

The merchants of Bo'ness, having been defeated in their campaign to have a small canal built directly to the town from the Broomielaw, targetted the notion of a branch from 'the mouth of the Grange Burn' to Bo'ness. The promoters of the Forth and Clyde were forced by them to include provision for this in their Act of 1768. An independent company was to construct this branch, which wa to be seven feet in depth and its water supply was to be furnished by the River Avon 'below Jinkabout-mill.' Although Watt's survey and report date from 1772, the first general meeting and opening of subscriptions did not take place until 1782. Contractors were sought in March, 1783, the plan being to commence the construction of the sea-lock and western end immediately. As the original subscription had been spent by later in the year, it required a further Act to authorise the company to borrow money using the security of the tolls or by raising more subscriptions. Having obtained funds, it became possible to almost complete the aqueduct over the Avon and to construct an additional length of canal to 'within a mile of the town.' However, due to funds again running out and a survey by Whitworth estimating a further #17,763 to finish the waterway, it was unanimously agreed at a meeting in Glasgow in 1796 that 'it was expedient to abandon the canal,' which was effected in 1797. In 1810 a customs-house was set up at Grangemouth but its receipts dropped dramatically over the ensuing five years.

J Lindsay 1968.

There is no sign of the canal on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Stirlingshire).

Information from RCAHMS (MD) 11 July 2002.