HISTORY lovers are getting a chance to walk back in time this Easter . . . . A guided historical tour of Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness is being held on Monday, April 17, 2006.
The free event has been organised by a new group, The Friends of Kinneil, with the support of CVS Falkirk District – the body supporting local voluntary groups.
Historian Ian Scott will take visitors to the remains of Kinneil’s Roman Fortlet, as well as Kinneil House, the ruined Kinneil Church and the cottage used by inventor James Watt. The walk will start at 2 p.m. outside Kinneil Museum and should last just over an hour.
The Museum is opening up specially for Easter Monday, allowing visitors to see its own historical displays and an audio-visual show. The idea of forming a Friends group was suggested by Bo’ness businesswoman Lynn Munro, who attended the public meeting on Kinneil Museum a month ago. She said: “The aim of the walk is to help people discover the rich heritage we have here on our doorsteps.”
Lynn, who runs the Country Fayre antique shop and café in Bo’ness town centre, said: “One of the ideas behind the Friends group is to look at ways to promote and develop Kinneil Estate. Perhaps we may even persuade the powers-that-be to re-open the fantastic Kinneil House on a regular basis.”
Bo’ness community councillor Adrian Mahoney said: “Kinneil Estate is much loved by local people and I think everyone would like to see its historical facilities enhanced and enjoyed by a much wider audience. Hopefully anyone taking part in the walk will discover the fantastic stories from Kinneil’s past. They may even be inspired to join the Friends of Kinneil.”
Mr Mahoney said he was particularly grateful to Falkirk Council for allowing the walk to go ahead – and for opening up Kinneil Museum on Easter Monday. The museum will be open from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on April 17.
“If the weather’s bad, we’ll be able to delay the start of the walk and shelter in the museum,” he said. “I’d certainly encourage people to bring sensible shoes as some of the paths at Kinneil can be muddy at this time of year.”
Pandora Summerfield, the chief executive of CVS Falkirk and District, said: “As the Council for the Voluntary Sector (CVS) in the Falkirk area, we aim to support the development of community and voluntary groups. We were delighted to help the Friends with their launch event. Here’s hoping for good weather on Easter Monday.”
Anyone interested in joining the Friends of Kinneil can email: info@kinneil.org.uk The first formal public meeting of the group will be held soon.
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