Boys' Brigade museum and activity centre to open in Falkirk town centre

The group, which met for the first time in October 2025, and has since met on a regular basis to give former members of the Boys’ Brigade the opportunity to get together to remember fond times in the movement, is preparing to launch a new community initiative.

An opportunity to create something special for not only BB old boys, but the district community as a whole, will see the group create a Boys’ Brigade Museum and Activity Centre in Falkirk town centre.

Work is currently underway to transform the currently vacant unit 13 in the Howgate Shopping Centre into a museum and activity centre.

It comes as the group has worked in partnership with Centric Community Projects, a charity that works with landlords and property agents across the UK to bring vacant commercial properties into meaningful use for the benefit of local communities.

Once open, the museum will house a vast array of Boys’ Brigade memorabilia with a focus on Falkirk and District Battalion. Company and Battalion Colours will be on display, as will numerous trophies that boys have competed for over the years.

Information boards giving details of the significant events in the history of the Battalion are being prepared. This will include lists of notable figures who helped shape the Boys’ Brigade in our area, and also achievements of individual boys and companies in sporting and other competitions.

A major feature and attraction of the museum will be ‘Company Corner’. The team behind the project are currently assembling a vast archive of photographs, roll books and other historical information from local companies. The group are challenging anyone who has been involved with the BB in the area to visit the museum where they are confident that there is a good chance they will have their photograph in the archive.

It is hoped the museum will appeal beyond former members, and perhaps extend to their families – was your dad, brother, grandad or son a member of a local company and can you find them in the archive?

However, there is more to the museum and activity centre than remembering the past.

Brian Crawford, secretary of the group and who has project managed the venue’s creation, said: “Whilst the museum will remember the past, we hope that the activity centre will prove to be a popular venue, and provide a fun and exciting new facility in the centre for all sections.

"Local BB companies and the Battalion will be encouraged to use the centre as a venue for activities and competitions.

"We have also partnered with other local groups and they will have a presence in the unit to highlight their work in the community.

"This will include a craft centre operating as part of the Craft to Cure campaign to raise funds for Blood Cancer UK in Scotland.

"Visitors to the craft centre will be able to try their hand at various arts and crafts including crochet, knitting and Kanzashi fabric flower classes. Further classes are planned.

"All of the classes will be led by experienced, award-winning instructors. Sign up details will be available in the unit with all money being donated for participation in the classes going to charities including including Air Ambulance Scotland.

“Soroptimist International Falkirk are also involved and they will have a display highlighting their work both locally and nationally.

“The Girls’ Brigade will also be represented as the sister organisation of The Boys’ Brigade.

“We really hope that there will be something for everyone in the unit once it is fully up and running.”

Work is continuing to ensure the museum and activity centre is ready for its official opening at 11am on Saturday, November 14.

The group are always on the lookout for donations of items of BB memorabilia that could be put on display, or for inclusion in “Company Corner”.

Items can be “loaned” to the museum and returned to owners later.

If you have any BB items that have remained out of sight for some time, now might be the time to look them out and bring them to the unit to be viewed and enjoyed once again.

The museum staff will all be volunteers from the BB and Camping Memories Group and SI Falkirk.

If you wish more information, or to make a donation, please contact Brian Crawford by emailing [email protected] or calling 07929 524889.