Taking a fantastic trip in The Falkirk Wheel isn’t the only thing that will enthral visitors to the world’s only rotating boatlift this August and September, a whole host of exciting events have also been planned to keep both young and old amused.

Visitors looking to pick up some unusual gifts will be able to do so on Saturday, 18 August and Sunday 19 August when Crafts 4 U set up their stalls in the Visitor Centre.

The local artisans will be selling a wide range of beautifully handcrafted items including handmade cards, organic soap, jewellery and scarves.

The craft fair runs from 9.30am until 6pm. on both days.

Looking for some traditional Scottish entertainment? Then head to The Wheel on Sunday 26 August and Monday 27 August when the inaugural Falkirk Wheel Highland Games gets underway.

Professional athletes from across the UK, including the current Scottish and Braemar champion Gregor Edmunds, will be competing to be crowned the Games first winner.

Events held over the two days include: traditional Highland Games heavy events (shot putt, hammer, caber tossing etc ), international strongman challenge (V12 car pull, tug of warriors, dead lift etc ), Highland Dancing displays, solo piping contest, falconry flying and children’s entertainment.

Brave volunteers will be abseiling down the 115ft high Falkirk Wheel on 25 August raising much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Abseil so why not come along and show your support?

The Raggie Morrison Clog Morris dancers, named after a shop in Aberdeen where the team are based, will have visitors tapping their feet while they wait to board one of the many boat trips which run throughout the day. The 15 dancers and three musicians will be joined by Belfagen clog dancers from Cumbria and are sure to wow the crowds with their nifty footwork on Saturday, 1 September from 2.30pm until 4pm.

And its time to get wet and wild on Saturday, 8 September and Sunday, 9 September when the cream of Scotland’s Canoe Polo teams battle it out in the back basin during a Scottish Canoe Polo Competition from 11am until 4pm.

Boat trips on The Falkirk Wheel cost £8 for adults, £4.25 for children and £6.50 concessions. Children under three go free. A family ticket (two adults and two children) is priced at £21.50. Boat trip bookings can be made by calling 08700 500 208.

Further information on The Falkirk Wheel can be found at www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk