Historic site in battle for votes

HISTORY lovers are being urged to go online and show their support for Kinneil House and Museum in Bo'ness in central Scotland. The sites are bidding for votes in an online poll to find "Britain's Best" historic locations. The poll is being conducted by UKTV History and ties in with a TV series being presented by Alan Titchmarsh.

[ClickPress, Wed Jun 13 2007] HISTORY lovers are being urged to go online and show their support for Kinneil House and Museum in Bo'ness in central Scotland.

The sites are bidding for votes in an online poll to find "Britain's Best" historic locations. The poll is being conducted by UKTV History and ties in with a TV series being presented by Alan Titchmarsh.

Volunteers from The Friends of Kinneil submitted the House and Museum to the poll a few weeks ago. Already hundreds of people have goneonline and voted for the 16th century mansion and its stable block museum.

Friends vice-chairman Bruce Henderson: "Early this week we were just a few hundred votes away from entering the Scottish top ten – that's without any real promotion by us.

"We're now hoping that more local people will go online and show their support for Kinneil. Just visit our website – www.kinneil.org.uk – and follow the link to the UKTV History poll.

"Every vote counts, so make sure you let everyone know that Kinneil is one of Britain's Best."

Mr Henderson said the re-classification of the House as an A-listed building made it worthy for inclusion.

"Kinneil House has some of the best examples of Renaissance wall paintings in Scotland. The House was open for just five days over the past year, but managed to attract more than 1000 visitors and lots of positive comments.

"There's also widespread support and affection for Kinneil Museum – located in the stable block of the House. It tells the fascinating story of the mansion and the wider estate and performs an important role welcoming tourists to Bo'ness. It's also open to visitors six days a week.

"We hope that by encouraging people to vote for Kinneil we'll also attract more people to visit this fascinating place."

The online poll will continue through the summer months, before the TV channel unveils Britain's best historic site in September.

Presenter Alan Titchmarsh said: "You don't have to go far to see some of the great buildings or gardens from our past and we want you to tell us about the ones dear to you so others can enjoy them too."

A UKTV spokesperson said: "There are hundreds of historic hotspots across Britain and UKTV History wants to know about them. By taking part the public will create a unique guide with honest feedback and personal memories of some incredible places; inspiring others to discover and learn more about their own local history.

"Viewers are able to vote for any site that matters most to them. It doesn't have to be a grand palace, a sprawling garden or even a majestic cathedral; just somewhere the public can visit and something that they are passionate about - or even some of the hidden gems that they want to share with others."

Bruce Henderson added: "Nearby Linlithgow Palace is currently in the Scottish
top ten – so here's hoping the Bo'ness people rally round and support Kinneil. Log on now and cast your vote."

Visit www.kinneil.org.uk for the voting link and more information.

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