THIS image of the Forth and Clyde Canal taken in the 1930s shows the great waterway during the middle of the last century, which saw its decline from a major route for goods and passengers to an unnavigable route.
Opened in 1790, it was the biggest venture undertaken in the country up to that time and transported up to three million tonnes of goods and 200,000 passengers each year in its mid 1800s heyday.
It was at the heart of Glasgow’s boom time, with timber mills, glass works and foundries springing up in the city, many in some way using the waterway.
But too soon, the train link across the country beat it for speed and in 1962 a final vessel sailed its length before it was closed.
Twenty years on, however, it was being suggested the canal could have a new lease of life.
Towpaths started to be cleaned up, fences were renewed and dingy races were being staged.
Now it is a leisure attraction for the city and surrounding area, it has as bright future
and is living up to its reputation as a major facility for Glasgow.
Stars Margaret Lockwood and Irene Dunne, right, brought Hollywood glamour to Glasgow when they arrived at Central Station ahead of a Royal FIlm Performance in the city
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