At yesterday’s meeting of Falkirk Council’s Executive Committee, Councillors across parties supported calls for progress on the main elements of the overall Kinneil Estate Masterplan, agreed in 2015 and intended to run until 2025.
During a debate on proposals for the walled garden area, just part of the approximately 200-acre historic parkland, the Labour group tabled an amendment which contained a request for a further report to be brought back in the spring with definite plans for Kinneil Estate as a whole, including options for a potential National Lottery bid – which is among various possible sources which could be explored for major funding.
This aspect of the motion attracted cross-party support. Councillors also approved ongoing investment in wall repairs and planned infrastructure improvements at the walled garden itself, and commended the work of both the Friends of Kinneil, and Sustainable Thinking Scotland.
Ian Shearer, Chairman of the Friends of Kinneil, said: “We thank Councillors across parties for giving much-needed impetus to the wider 2015-25 Masterplan for Kinneil Estate.
“2022 will be the Centenary of the magnificent Kinneil House & Estate first becoming public heritage assets. Definite plans for the future transformation of the estate as a whole, and a clear vision for how it can contribute to the area’s economic recovery – as well as firm routes to major funding – would be among the fitting ways to mark this milestone and are long overdue.
“In the meantime, it is also positive to see the agreement by Councillors to continue investing in the ongoing good work, necessary repairs and infrastructure improvements at the walled garden, and to integrate this within the wider vision referred to above for Kinneil and Bo’ness”.
Kinneil 
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