A Ferris Wheel for Boats

Opened in 2002, the Falkirk Wheel was designed by the descendants of those Scottish techno-engineers who brought us the steam engine, clipper ships, the telephone, and macadam roads. Located halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh, this engineering marvel replaced 11 locks connecting a pair of cross-Scotland canals that are at two very different levels. Canal boats enter a water-filled gondola and then the wheel rotates carrying boat, water and people up 35 meters in four minutes. Along with other Scottish tourists, we took a 45-minute boat tour between canals on a chilly but sunny day that offered great views from the wheel’s highest point.