The Forth and Clyde Canal

The largest civil engineering task in Scotland since the Antonine Wall, and the first sea-to-sea canal in the world. Find out more.

The Forth and Clyde Canal was not just the biggest piece of civil engineering construction in Scotland since the Antonine Wall in the 2nd century, it was also the first sea-to-sea canal in the world. Designed to take large ocean-going ships it allowed international trade to come directly into Glasgow over forty years before the river Clyde had been made deep enough. It was the transformative statement of intent for the Georgian city and, as we celebrate the 850th anniversary of our small medieval burgh, it was the key moment for the creation of north Glasgow.

Fergus Sutherland originally trained as an archaeologist at Glasgow University but has spent most of the last four decades working as a heritage consultant and public historian. He has worked on over four hundred projects throughout Britain, Europe and the Middle East, but his primary love is the history of his adoptive city, Glasgow, the most fascinating place in the world (in his humble opinion!).