Falkirk Council museum closes for festive period after 'low numbers'
A museum will be closed to visitors over the festive season – despite the fact that this could be its last Christmas as a free local attraction.
Falkirk Council announced this week that Kinneil Museum in Bo’ness would be closed from December 8 until January 12 due to visitor numbers being “historically very low”.
The charity Friends of Kinneil said it was disappointed with the news, especially given that the museum is under threat of permanent closure at the end of March.
Housed in the 17th century stable block belonging to the historic mansion Kinneil House, the museum contains an exhibition that tells the story of Bo’ness from Roman times on the lower floor.
The upper floor gallery tells visitors more about Kinneil Estate and its associations with famous names from Scottish history, Mary Queen of Scots and James Watt among them.
However, it is among the buildings that are part of Falkirk Council’s strategic property review, which involves more than 100 properties either closing or moving out of council ownership.
Campaigners who want to see it remain open say that the museum not only promotes local heritage, it also provides vital facilities, including toilets, for Kinneil House, which is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
While discussions have been ongoing between Falkirk Council and Historic Environment Scotland about the future of the museum, as yet there has been no announcement.
In a statement, The Friends of Kinneil said: “This disappointing decision was announced at relatively short notice and without any public explanation to people who might have been hoping to visit or use the facilities during what could potentially be its last winter as a free local museum.”
MSP Kirsteen Sullivan also said she was disappointed when she shared the news on social media.
She said: “This is very disappointing news, especially coming up to the holiday period when visitors want to enjoy the estate and use the facilities.”
A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “Kinneil Museum will be closed from December 8 to January 12. Visitor numbers at Kinneil Museum during this period are historically very low.
“Last December we recorded eight days with zero visitors, and at most a few visitors a day.
“This season we were pleased to work with a local Bo’ness artist to deliver wreath and kids craft workshops at the museum in the first week of December.
“The museum will reopen in January in time for our first school visit of the year and the team are looking forward to welcoming young pupils from Bo’ness.
“Access to the wider Kinneil Estate is unaffected. We apologise for any inconvenience and will keep visitors updated.”