THE charity The Friends of Kinneil has announced the winners of its art and photography competition.
The contest was organised to encourage people to share their images of the historic Kinneil landscape which is packed with wildlife, natural habitats and listed buildings.
In the adult categories, Derek Freeman, of Roman Way, Bo’ness, took first place for best photograph; with John Donaldson of Bomar Avenue, winning the art prize.
Mr Freeman produced a stunning landcape of the sun rising over the the “lay park” to the rear of Kinneil House. Mr Donaldson’s painting also pictured the historic house, which has been opened on selected days during the year with the support of the Friends of Kinneil.
In the junior section Iain Don (8), of Grangemouth Road, Bo’ness, took the photo prize for his composition, showing one of the woodland walks in the estate. Chloe Nash (11), of Stewart Avenue, Bo’ness, captured the junior art prize with her vision of birdwatching on the west pond (see picture above).
The competition was judged by Journal and Gazette photographer Gordon McBrearty and Bo’ness artist Guthrie Pollock.
Prizes, including Historic Scotland passes, vouchers and art kits were up for grabs – and a formal prizegiving is planned for next month.
The Friends committee also gave a special prize to Jennifer Leonard of Grange Terrace, Bo’ness, who submitted an eye-catching picture of a boy riding his bike in the estate.
“Kinneil truly is a magical place for local families – and the winning entries capture the many facets of this wonderful parkland. We were pleased so many people took the time and trouble to enter.”
“The breadth of winning entries shows why the estate is so important to local people,” said Lynn Munro, the chair of the Friends of Kinneil.
“For some people it’s all about the heritage – the impressive A-listed Kinneil House, which dates back to the 15th century and the other listed buildings within the estate, including our lovely museum.
“But Kinneil is also about woodland walks, watching birds on the pond, and even learning to ride a bike in the grounds.
“Kinneil truly is a magical place for local families – and the winning entries capture the many facets of this wonderful parkland. We were pleased so many people took the time and trouble to enter.”
She added that her business, Country Fayre, in South Street, was happy to support the competition, which was run in conjunction with Historic Scotland and Falkirk Council.
“We had hoped to show some of the entries in Kinneil Museum – particularly as it’s open in the afternoons throughout the winter months. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do this.
“However, we have managed to get some space in Bo’ness Library, to show off some of the entries. These should be on show for the next few weeks.”
“We’ve also written to all the entrants, thanking them for taking the time to enter the competition and making arrangements to return their works to them. Anyone who hasn’t received a letter should give me a call on 01506 823260 or email: info@kinneil.org.uk.
“We appreciate everyone’s efforts to put Kinneil in the picture.”
* The full list of winners and runners-up are as follows:
Photography – adult section: 1, Derek Freeman, Bo’ness; 2, David Queenan, Bo’ness; 3. G.W. Clark, Bo’ness. Photography – junior section, 1. Iain Don, Bo’ness.
Art – adult section: 1, John Donaldson, Bo’ness; 2, John McAvoy, Bo’ness. Art – junior winner, 1. Chloe Nash.
Special prize: Jennifer Leonard, Bo’ness.
Kinneil 
