‘Right where we are is best place’
Schoolkids give EK map a Scottish twist
Kirktonholme Primary School pupils proudly unveiled their traditionally Scottish mural to mark 70 years of East Kilbride new town.
A unique map of the town was put on display in the National Museum of Rural Life.
Pupils had created designs for landmarks across the town – with several former titles and names included.
The children had spent class time with school chaplain, Rev Douglas Wallace from Stewartfield Church, investigating nearly 20 such names to find the ‘Old Scots’ links.
The celebratory designs show Kirktonholme – the name of a former estate and grand house – by the Kittoch Water.
They also showcase the Kirktoun, the old village ranged around the parish church.
Pupils examined the 200-year history of the Whirlies before producing a handmade book and Great job artwork on the town.
Artist Julie Arbuckle carefully arranged these onto a map shape of the town and met with the children to paint the mural.
Three art students at Duncanrig Secondary added the final touches, including a striking version of the coat of arms, with its bird of St Bride.
The Moderator of Hamilton Presbytery, Roberta Hutton, who remembered previously visiting the museum with a schools’ group, opened the mural and accompanying book to the public in a ceremony.
Rev Wallace gave a vote of thanks to the staff at Duncanrig and Kirktonholme schools as well as the museum in planning and carrying out a distinctive view of East Kilbride to mark the town’s 70th. He said: “I want children to find ‘right where we are’ the best place to be.”