Look-a-like of historic inventor visits green belt land

IAN BUNTING

The Save Woodhall, Faskine and Palacecraig (SWAF) group enlisted the help of a historical figure in its battle to preserve green belt land in Monklands.

In conjunction with a steam fair held at Summerlee museum in Coatbridge, the organisation paid tribute to famous Scottish engineer and inventor James Watt.

The group welcomed a look-a-like of the man who transformed the steam engine by using a condenser which was fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution in both his native Britain and the rest of the world.

Watt was also responsible for the Monkland Canal which reached Woodhall – south of Airdrie – in 1794 and prospered by taking coal to Glasgow, where it kick started the steam-based industry.

The Watt doppelgänger joined SWAF members in paying a visit to Summerlee museum, the Monkland Canal and green belt land between Calderbank and Sykeside which campaigners claim will be ruined by the proposed EuroPark development.

A SWAF spokesperson said: “We are determined to save the green corridor of the Monkland Canal and North Calder Water – keeping their green belt setting of productive fields, pasture and woodlands on ancient estates as open country, much as it was in James Watt’s time.

“This green belt is now a resource of prime importance for nature and increasingly recognised as invaluable for people’s wellness – both mental and physical.

“It is also on the doorstep for many people in Airdrie and Coatbridge and we were keen to highlight the importance of this land by visiting several prime locations with the James Watt look-a-like.

“It was also a nice opportunity to commemorate James’ memory, importance to Monklands’ and Scotland’s history and his remarkable achievements.”

Ship-shape ‘Watt’ at The Vulcan barge, which was built in Calderbank ahead of its launch in 1819

Casting his eye The look-a-like examines the Monkland Canal

Group effort The doppelganger with SWAF campaigners of all ages