This is a photo essay on how Scotland engineered canals between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Because of geographical difficulties, which created a difference of 79ft. in elevation, the two canals were connected by 11 locks by a huge water carousel - started in 1963 and finished in 2002. These photos are amazing.

This rotational boat transporter has two arms, and each arm forms a kind of huge tub filled with water. Boats enter the tub, then the tub locks up and the huge arm starts rotating… Closing of the gate, regulation of level of water, and “tubs” rotation takes only 15 minutes.

The “tubs” are filled according the Archimedes’ Law, so the weight of the “tubs” are balanced. An engine of 22.5 kW is required to open the upper and lower lock and turn the whole system by 180º, which uses only 1.5 kWh.

Via Joe.ks