The largest flotilla ever seen on the Union Canal is preparing to set sail from Edinburgh to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its reopening.

More than 60 vessels will make the journey from Edinburgh Quay to Falkirk over the weekend. They include everything from traditional narrowboats to Edwardian steam launches.

The oldest in the fleet is The Rath Princess, built in 1923.

Hundreds of people are expected to see the ships off on their-two day journey on Saturday morning.

Richard Millar, Waterway Development Manager, British Waterways Scotland, said: "Union 10 will be a tremendous celebration of the wide ranging public value brought by the reopening of the Union Canal. Long gone are the days when the waterway was strewn with rubbish and a no-go area.

"Today, the Union Canal, rich with heritage, wildlife and year round, attractive open space, brings real economic, social and environmental benefits to the capital and communities between Edinburgh and the iconic Falkirk Wheel.

"Indeed, some two million people visit the Scottish canals annually, making a total of 24.4 million trips and the Union Canal is the most popular waterway of all for towpath visitors. During 2009, visitors to the Union Canal almost hit the million mark."

The Millennium Link Project saw the creation of the world’s only rotating boatlift at the Falkirk Wheel.

It made navigation between Edinburgh and Glasgow possible for the first time in four decades.