BO’NESS MSP Cathy Peattie has continued to press for funding from the SNP Scottish Government to support the Antonine Wall.
In a previous parliamentary answer, the Nationalists’ Culture Minister, Mike Russell, admitted there had been no money from the Scottish Government since the turf wall gained World Heritage Status in July 2008.
The Wall runs from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick. It can be seen at Kinneil Estate, in Polmont and at Callendar Park in Falkirk.
Mrs Peattie compared the lack of Scottish cash to substantial investment for Hadrian’s Wall in England to improve visitor facilities.
She told a debate on Scotland’s Historic Environment: “In Scotland, we have been promised jam tomorrow, but I fear that we are struggling to get even bread and butter today.”
Cathy said: “My constituency has very good examples of Scotland’s historic environment that are unique resources for our economy and our people. The importance of the Antonine wall has been recognised internationally. It is a world heritage site that runs from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick. The Bo’ness end of the wall, at Kinneil, has the remains of a roman fort, as well as Kinneil house, a museum and a cottage where James Watt worked on his design for a steam engine. That is history on our doorstep.
“Falkirk Council and other authorities are working closely with Historic Scotland, but they are working with no extra resources. They are doing their best to promote the wall—they have run special events, published new leaflets and installed boards and markers near the wall—but what can be done and how quickly are limited without additional funding.
“The councils do not have the significant funds that are needed for new visitor centres and substantial pieces of new interpretation. They are formulating an action plan and have been told that, somewhere down the line, more funding might be available. However, as the minister said, that funding is
"likely to come from a variety of sources, not just the public purse".—[Official Report, Written Answers, 29 September 2009; S3W-27588.]
“The action plan is welcome, but I would like some additional funding to be allocated to promote and enhance awareness of the Antonine wall. In England, work has been taken forward on Hadrian’s wall by a management company that receives substantial funds from the UK Government, and that investment is bringing a real return. It is providing excellent new visitor and interpretation facilities, which attract tourists from throughout the north of England. In Scotland, we have been promised jam tomorrow, but I fear that we are struggling to get even bread and butter today.
“Also in my constituency, crossing the Antonine wall, is the Bo’ness and Kinneil railway, which is operated by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society. The railway museum at Bo’ness is a national treasure, and not just for Scotland, as some exhibits are unique in the UK and without parallel even in the collection in York. We need to give our industrial museums the recognition and support that they deserve. They bring the past to life and enable our people to experience their heritage.
SNP Culture Minister Mike Russell answered: “I warmly agree with that sentiment. I have several things to say to the member. First, the railway museum is working towards national recognition. Secondly, the museums summit that was held in June set up a museums task force—as I asked it to do—to consider national policy on museums, and that will look at industrial museums. Finally, I add that my visit to the museum allowed me to drive a steam engine, so I am eternally grateful to the member’s constituency, because I achieved one of my ambitions.”
But Cathy responded: “. . . More can be done to give support. Such support is a win-win situation for people and the economy. The locomotives have been refurbished on site by volunteers who have lovingly given their time, labour and expertise to the task.
“From steam trains, such as my favourite the Caledonian, to diesel trains from Darlington, Derby and Crewe—I know that that sounds like a platform announcement—the magic of the railway is there for the young and the not-so-young, for local people and for visitors from throughout Scotland and beyond.
“Tourists have travelled from around the world for a trip on the railway, which runs from Bo’ness to the Birkhill clay mine. There is also a connection with the main line at Manuel, which enables extensive tours. The SRPS would like to add a station at the Manuel junction. It is raring to go with its many plans to extend its work and expand the scope of its activities for volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds, but it can do those things only if funding can be found.
“Christmas is a busy time, with Santa temporarily forsaking his reindeer in favour of a steam train. I am sure that the minister would enjoy the occasion, and I invite him to visit the railway—yes, again—to see for himself the Santa railway complete with mince pies and mulled wine.
“Although the Bo’ness and Kinneil railway and museum are unique in what they do, they are not unique in the problems that they face.
“Other industrial museums are preserving other important aspects of our industrial heritage, but they are very much the poor cousins of the sector, despite the large numbers of visitors who go through their doors. We need critically to assess the needs of industrial museums and to give them the credit that they are due.
“Equally, we need properly to support the development of the Antonine wall.
“I am glad that we are putting the spotlight on Scotland’s historic environment. We have much of value, but we are not making the most of it. I hope that the Scottish Government agrees with me and that it will address the issues that I have raised. We should celebrate our heritage and realise that improving support and investment will pay dividends in many ways. As I said, I acknowledge and welcome the minister’s interest and I look forward to the museums task force report. After all, we all benefit from building our national heritage. We would not want to be left on the platform after the train has departed.”
