It was a place where boats could be hired for Sunday adventures exploring the waters of Scotland's 'mathematical river'.
Built in 1987 as the headquarters of the Edinburgh Canal Society, the boathouse at Lockhart Bridge was closed in 2015 due to safety concerns.
In recent years the area has become s clogged with algae with abandoned boats moored near a tree, to the disappointment of residents.
However, that could all change under major, new plans to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Union Canal, which was built as a means of transporting goods between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The boathouse was originally based at Meggetland but was dismantled and rebuilt at its current site in 1987.
'Securing a new future' for the boathouse is part of indicative programme of initiative and events, unveiled by Edinburgh City Council, to mark the milestone year.
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The history of the Union Canal will be commemorated with a diverse programme of events including a static exhibition, a floating exhibition, a special Canal flotilla, and a special edition of the Edinburgh Canal Festival in June 2022.
Other plans include developing the Bridge8 centre, which is the only venue in Scotland where outdoor enthusiasts can have a go at water-biking.
After four years of construction the canal was opened in 1822 as a means of transporting goods between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
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Following the completion and opening of the Forth and Clyde Canal in 1790, it was not long before the idea arose of a canal to link Edinburgh to the west, and in particular to the coal mining areas.
It was originally known as the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal, reflecting its role and was designed and built by Hugh Baird with advice from Thomas Telford who was building the great Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Inverness using Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.
At 31½ miles long, it was Scotland's only contour canal. Known locally at the time as the "mathematical river", the canal followed the 240ft (73m) contour throughout its length, so making locks unnecessary.
It was closed in 1965 after being largely supplanted by freight trains and heavy goods vehicles but in 2000 it was reopened thanks to the £84.5m Millennium Link Project, then the largest canal restoration in the UK.
The Edinburgh Canal Society then set up boating trips and family rowing boats could be hired at £3.50 an hour every Sunday from 11am to 5pm, "weather permitting".
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The canal links Fountainbridge, Edinburgh with the Falkirk Wheel in Tamfourhill, where it joins the Forth and Clyde Canal.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: "It’s wonderful that we’re going to be able to celebrate the Union Canal and its rich historical and social significance.
"Not only does it shed light on our industrial past but now serves as a haven for boating, walking, cycling and spending time."
David Blair, Revenue and Regeneration Director at Scottish Canals, added: "Theanniversary will not only celebrate the heritage of the network but will also create new and exciting opportunities for canal side communities to learn more about the canal's past as well as its present."
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