Bridge 19-40 Canal Society

There is now a society open to anyone that has an interest in the Union Canal. The former B.U.C.H.A.N. Society from Broxburn has expanded to take in the areas of Winchburgh and Philpstoun. At their 1999 AGM it was decided that as the main aims of the society had been achieved it needed another challenge. It was decided to extend the area covered and open the Society to a larger audience. There was also a change of name to reflect the larger area it now covers. The members chose the new name as they feel the society will be a bridge between the communities along the canal. The 19-40 part of the name is not the year it was founded but the numbers of the bridges their area covers. Bridge No.19 is the first bridge in West Lothian and No. 40 is at the far western end of Philpstoun. The society is open to all, cyclists, boaters, hikers, canoeists, environmentalists, in fact anyone from the area from Broxburn to Philpstoun. Membership is not expensive at Ł3 for individual membership and Ł6 for a family. For that you will be supporting a local group of like minded people who care about the canal and it's environment. By attracting more members the society’s power over how the canal is cared for and managed will be strengthened. There is a popular misconception that whatever happens is final, this is not the case with the canal. The society is represented on various local bodies and your views are vital.

The aims of the society are reviewed annually, presently they are as follows:-

The Society will:

Promote co-operation between all canal users

Encourage, liase with and support all who seek to the sympathetic and sustainable development of the waterway and it’s environment

Provide opportunity for volunteering, particularly by young people

Preserve & restore an important reminder of Scottish industrial heritage

Protect natural habitats of the canal & its environs

Encourage leisure uses by the community, including people with disabilities

Encourage inward investment & jobs by projecting the quality of life in West Lothian

Protect natural habitats of the canal & its environs

We now have a permanent base at Bell's Mill Wharf in Winchburgh thanks to the continued support of The Auld Cathie Trust.