Museum celebrates four million visitors
A POPULAR attraction in Coatbridge has welcomed its four millionth visitor since its inception in 1988.
Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life celebrated the milestone with Provost Kenneth Duffy and councillor Louise Roarty, depute leader, who presented gifts to Autumn, Laurel and Mac from Airdrie along with their grandmothers Frances Bodwick and Betty McDonald.
Set on 23 acres, the four star museum offers visitors a recreated mine with guided tours, miners’ cottages, an exhibition hall with working machinery, a play park, cafe and shop.
Duffy said: “Summerlee holds an enduring appeal for so many people of all ages from across the globe.
“It is a jewel in the crown of Scotland’s visitor attractions and today is a significant milestone as we welcome the four millionth visitor to this wonderful museum, which explores and celebrates Lanarkshire’s rich industrial heritage and the history of the workers.”
McDonald said: “The grandchildren love visiting here, it’s such a wonderful place. I used to bring my daughter here when she was younger it has so many special memories for us all.”
Bodwick added: “Summerlee is a great place for families, we’ve visited so many times over the years.
“We were amazed and delighted to be the four millionth visitors.”
There are plans to transform
the museum over the next few years as part of a multimillion pound programme in collaboration with the Heritage Fund.
Lu McNair, museums and collections manager at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The new developments will
take the Summerlee story up until the 1990s and the end of Ravenscraig which is the start of deindustrialisation, a very pivotal part of the story of Lanarkshire.
“It means our visitors will be able to spend the whole day here as there will be even more
things for people to see and do and enjoy.”
Summerlee is situated around the 19th century Summerlee Ironworks site and a restored section of a branch of the Monklands Canal.
The museum is open seven days a week and is free to visit.