Council plans to close historic Bo'ness museum

FALKIRK Council has announced controversial plans to close Kinneil Museum, on the edge of Bo'ness, West Lothian.

[ClickPress, Mon Feb 20 2006] FALKIRK Council has announced controversial plans to close Kinneil Museum, on the edge of Bo'ness, West Lothian.

The converted 17th century stable block currently is used as an interpretative centre for neighbouring Kinneil House and its estate.

The area includes a cottage used by James Watt, a medieval church, and a Roman fortlet linked to the Antonine Wall, which runs through the estate. The museum also provides information on the development of Bo'ness.

According to a report in the Bo'ness Journal newspaper, the council plans to transfer Kinneil's Roman artefacts to Callendar House museum in Falkirk.
Remaining exhibits will go on display in the town's Hippodrome cinema, which is being re-opened to the public.

The council says there was "diminishing footfall" at Kinneil - and that "many fine exhibits deserve greater exposure". But critics have questioned the council's proposals to close the museum, which is the subject of a public consultation exercise.

The Bo'ness website - www.bo-ness.org.uk - is currently running a poll on the council's proposals and also provides more information on the story.

Visit: http://www.bo-ness.org.uk

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