SOLAR lighting is being looked at to illuminate much of Edinburgh's ten miles of canals under a new plan to encourage people to walk, run and cycle on the banks of the Union Canal after dark. British Waterways Scotland, the trust responsible for managing all of Scotland's 137-mile canal network, is in talks with the city council about installing solar lights along the canal between Viewforth bridge, near Edinburgh Quay, and the City Bypass at Wester Hailes.

The talks are part of the wider project to breathe new life into the city's canal network. Community leaders say most people avoid the canal after dark because of a lack of lighting. It is hoped that the new lighting would encourage more people to walk or cycle to work, even in the depths of winter.