Edinburgh Photographic Society Outings

The Union Canal

1870s and 1880s

Edinburgh Photographic Society arranged several excursions including annual picnics travelling by barge on the Union Canal in the 1870s and 1880s.  Here are tickets from one of the outings.

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EPS  - 1883 Outing

This report of the outing to Almond Dell, travelling by barge on the Union Canal captures the spirit of the occasion:  

“A Party of 109 travelled on a decorated barge with a couple of violins, ’cello and piano, dances and song.

On the outward journey, there was a solo singing competition with seven lady competitors, the prize being a 10” x 8” portrait in carbon of the winner (presented by Mr Balmain). 

The bachelors won the Tug of War between married and single.  There was music and dancing for 3-4 hrs. on the barge for the return journey”.