VISITORS to Kinneil Museum in Bo’ness are getting an improved audio-visual show, thanks to the efforts of community fundraisers.
Falkirk Council has installed a new screen, digital projector, Sony Blu-ray player and sound system within the museum after accepting a donation of nearly £1000 from the charity The Friends of Kinneil. Group members raised the money through a number of fundraising events over the past year.
The cash boost means bosses have been able to replace a small TV, video and DVD system with the latest high-definition kit, offering a movie-style experience within the museum.
Maria Ford, the chair of The Friends of Kinneil, said: “We’re delighted to work with the council to improve facilities at Kinneil. The museum shows a number of films linked with the estate to both tourists and school parties. The new equipment should mean a much better experience for people visiting the facility. It’s great to see the new equipment being installed and I hope it will be a hit with visitors.”
Kinneil Museum is located in the 17th century stable block of Kinneil House and acts as an interpretative centre for the surrounding Kinneil Estate, a major park on the western edge of Bo’ness.
The museum’s core exhibition 2,000 Years of History tells the story of the park from Roman times to the present day. 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 Antonine Wall and a Roman Fortlet, awarded World Heritage Site status in July 2008. There’s the ruins of a medieval Church and the site of the medieval village. The estate also boasts the imposing Kinneil House and a cottage used by inventor James Watt.
The Museum is open throughout the year, from Monday to Saturday, from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more details call 01506 778530 or email: callendar.house@falkirk.gov.uk
** The Friends of Kinneil was formed in 2006 to support the development of Kinneil Estate. It works with Historic Scotland to run free open days at Kinneil House, and many other activities.
Museum staff with members of The Friends of Kinneil check out the new screen and audio-visual equipment at Kinneil Museum.
Kinneil 