EDUCATION AND THE MEL GRAY CENTRE  

Our new Canal Heritage Education Centre (to be known as The Mel Gray Centre after the founder of LUCS) is a superb facility for school children and others interested parties. Primary school children who visit the canal basin will no longer have to squeeze into the 1820's museum, but will instead have their own purpose-built classroom As the new facility will accommodate up to a class at a time, we hope to increase substantially the numbers of visiting children from 1,000 each year. The Centre will also provide educational space for secondary schools and colleges, as well as much-needed facilities for other local groups. The design of the Centre is in keeping with the existing buildings, and will be an attractive addition to the picturesque basin. In the Centre there is a large room (class size) with tables and chairs, an area for wet work and two toilets, one with shower. Screen and IT equipment is available

The actual building was completed by a contractor but all the internal work, electrics, plumbing, joinery, tiling and external laying of cobbles was done by volunteer members of LUCS.

The Centre has been generously funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, by West Lothian Council, the Robertson Trust, the Nancy Roberts Educational Trust and by LUCS itself.  

SCHOOL PARTIES are most welcome during the season.  There must be at least one adult (no charge) for every 10 children. The Boat Trip is of ½ hour duration, 
All Visits include the boat trip, viewing the museum display in the Mel Gray Centre and the provision of worksheets.  Although there is wheelchair access to the tea room, museum and toilets the boats are unsuitable for disabled passengers. LUCS suggests a short reconnoitering visit to assess the suitability of our facilities for your party.

The maximum numbers allowed are

Victoria - 10 children and 2 adults.

St. Magdalene - 36 children and 3 adults. 

Teachers: If booking Victoria please ascertain from your local authority that you are permitted to use an open boat.

 SCHOOLS-COST

Primary & Secondary per pupil  £2.00

Nursery Pupil  £1.50

Additional Adult  £4.00
 
HOW TO MAKE A BOOKING
All charters must be booked in advance.  Bookings are not valid until confirmed in writing by LUCS. Please telephone the Booking Secretary on 01506 843194 for a booking form 
ILLUSTRATED TALKS
LUCS can provide speakers to give illustrated talks on the history of the canal, the current position and its possible future uses.  For further details, please contact the Bookings Secretary.

  For a History of the Edinburgh & Glasgow Union Canal