KINNEIL Museum in Bo’ness has recorded its highest visitor figures for more than a decade.
Figures from Falkirk Council show that the facility – at the centre of historic Kinneil Estate in the town – attracted more than 5095 people in 2009 . . . double its annual total in 2004.
This week, a senior Council chief said that open days at neighbouring Kinneil House and the new World Heritage Status of the nearby Antonine Wall had boosted visitor numbers.
Bo’ness Labour Councillor Adrian Mahoney, the convener of leisure, tourism and community at the Council, said: “It’s great to see more and more people paying a visit to Kinneil Museum. I hope this trend continues over the coming year.
“Kinneil is a great free facility to visit in the middle of a fantastic parkland. But there’s always more we can do – and we shouldn’t rest on any laurels.”
The museum is located in the 17th century stable block of neighbouring Kinneil House and acts as an interpretative centre for the impressive Kinneil Estate. Its core exhibition, “2,000 Years of History”, was recently updated. It tells the story of the park from Roman times to the present day. The facility also features hands-on exhibits for children, an audio visual show and a small retail area.
Antoninus Pius, St Serf, Mary, Queen of Scots, and James Watt are among the many historical characters associated with the estate.
A short walk from the museum takes visitors to the line of the Antonine Wall, awarded World Heritage Site status in July 2008; the remains of a Roman fortlet attached to the Wall; the ruins of a medieval church; and the site of a medieval village.
A cottage used by inventor James Watt is also located beside historic Kinneil House.
** The Friends of Kinneil is running a free guided walk around Kinneil Estate, including a visit inside Kinneil House, this Sunday, July 25. Any interested should meet outside Any interested should meet outside Kinneil Museum at 1.30 p.m. Full details at www.kinneil.org.uk/summerwalk
Kinneil 