Union Canal breach plugged and fish saved

Scottish Canals confirm that they have secured the area and stopped the flow of water following a breach of the Union Canal near the A801 between Polmont and Muiravonside.

The breach followed last week’s severe weather and Dr Olivia Lassiere, their environment manager, admitted this was a challenging task.

The Forth Rivers Trust have also rescued over 1,000 fish including pike, perch, roach, eel and brown trout from pools of water downstream of the breach.

She added: “We’d like to take this opportunity to remind canal users to be safe and to protect our staff by keeping physically distanced while we respond to this situation.

“Also, in the event of an out-of-hours emergency on the canal, members of the public can contact us on 0800 072 9900.”

Our picture by Nigel Duncan shows the union Canal near Hermiston