DOORS OPEN DAYS 2016 AREA

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September

Dobbie Hall, .

Buildings in that are not normally accessible to the public are opened free of charge over weekends during September as part of the Doors Open Days scheme. Coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust as part of the wider European Heritage Days initiative, Doors Open Days events are designed to stimulate interest in the built environment and cultural heritage of the area.

For a full programme of Doors Open Days events visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk or request an area brochure on 0141 2481188.

Doors Open Days in the Falkirk area are coordinated by the Falkirk Community Trust, which would like to express its gratitude to all of the owners or agents who, by opening their buildings to the public, make the Doors Open Days event possible. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the volunteers who man the venues and provide guides.

To receive information about future Doors Open Days events send your name, email and/or full postal address to [email protected], write to Box Office, or call

01324 506850.

For further information contact: Geoff Bailey, Callendar House, Falkirk. Tel: 01324 503783 or email [email protected] This year we again have a wide range of unusual buildings from all over the Falkirk district providing a variety of architectural styles from different periods. They include a high-tech hospital operating theatre, a palace, a concert hall, a prison, a church or three, an old library, a churchyard and an athletics stadium! Activities include building with Lego, performing a simple life-saving operation, undergoing a search and walks.

 Scottish Centre for Simulation & Clinical Human Factors  Larbert Old Church  Larbert Churchyard  Dobbie Hall, Larbert  Rotary Hall, Larbert  THI  Young Offenders Institute  Stadium 

The ethos behind the Doors Open Days is to provide free access to buildings that you may be familiar with, or to discover new buildings that you did not even know existed. Buildings that form the working backdrop to the area and which you will have passed from time to time. Well now is the chance to satisfy your curiosity!

Several of this year’s buildings are busy hives of national excellence. The stadium at Grangemouth is the home of the National Indoor Athletics Academy. Larbert Hospital houses the Scottish Centre for Simulation and Clinical Human Factors. Polmont Young Offenders Institute is the national centre for young men and has an adjacent staff training centre. All of these promise to provide an interesting and stimulating experience.

Historically too we have nationally important monuments. The Palace at Kinneil was the centre of for a few brief years in the 16th century whilst Arran was regent of Scotland. In the following century even Larbert Church got caught up in national politics. King James VI exiled Reverend Robert Bruce of Kinnaird to his home parish. Bruce naturally started to preach from the pulpit of the old semi-deserted church, fulfilling the roll of minister for the parish. It is said that he attracted large audiences of thousands of attendees from all over central Scotland. Around 1624 he paid to have the decaying church building demolished and a new one constructed in its place. Part of it still remains. Larbert Churchyard also has the earliest sizeable cast iron funerary monument in the world, to commemorate who discovered the source of the Nile. He was the grandson of Robert. The monument was so famous that the poet Robert Burns paid a visit to it.

The church at Larbert is destined for closure and so this may well be your last chance to see the building in all its glory. The stained glass is particularly attractive with windows by Alf Webster of , Dickson & Walker of and Stephen Adam of Glasgow.

On Saturday the guided tours of the churchyard will take in many fascinating aspects of local as well as national history, and of art. The latter includes some idiosyncratic poetry set in stone, as well as statues by leading sculptors. An informative walk around the town centre in Falkirk that day takes in many of the remaining historic shopfronts.

There are plenty of experiences to be had this year! At the Scottish Centre for Simulation & Clinical Human Factors members of the public will be invited to take part in some simulated scenarios, as well as having a chance to use simple part-task trainers. At Polmont Young offenders Institute they get go through a security check! It must be emphasised that those wishing to visit the latter will need to book in advance due to the obvious security implications – contact [email protected]

Anyone over the age of 16 years visiting the prison must have two forms of identification, one of which is photographic. Entry will not be permitted without acceptable identification. The following examples shall be accepted for photographic ID purposes: • Valid Passport • Workplace photo ID card • Photographic driving Licence • Photographic bank card • Citizen/Validate UK card • Other official photo ID - membership • Senior citizens bus pass card The following examples shall be accepted as suitable for proof of address, provided it is less than 3 months old: • Utility bill • Bank statement • Council tax bill • Other letter from official source • Benefit book

And the week of Saturday September 17th – Sunday 25th is BIG ROMAN WEEK. Details of events will be found on the websites of the Falkirk Community Trust and the Friends of Kinneil, www.bigromanweek.org.uk or email [email protected] This year it will feature a free conference in the Hippodrome cinema in Bo’ness, which featured during its renovation in a previous Doors Open Day.

SCOTTISH CENTRE FOR SIMULATION & CLINICAL HUMAN FACTORS

In the heart of the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital, the Scottish Centre for Simulation & Clinical Human Factors is a state-of-the-art multi-professional training facility and the only high fidelity simulation centre in Scotland. It was established in 1998 and is increasingly recognised as a pivotal part of training a safe and capable healthcare workforce.

There are two complete operating theatres (multipurpose simulation suites) with one wall lined with two-way mirrors so that the staff being trained can be observed. The centre boasts a range of mid and high fidelity mannequins including adult, child, baby and neonatal simulators. Courses are run for all levels of healthcare personnel and a range of specialties, including Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics, Paediatrics and Anaesthetics. The high-tech “robots” are used to simulate a range of medical conditions, including heart attacks and convulsions and the course participants’ actions are monitored and recorded. The participants then take part in a facilitated debrief where their decision-making and actions is analysed in order to see why things went well or perhaps were challenging.

Members of the public will be invited to take part in some simulated scenarios, as well as have a chance to use simple part-task trainers.

Courtesy of SCSCHF.

Location: Scottish Centre for Simulation and Clinical Human Factors, Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Road, Larbert. FK5 4WR Opening Times: Saturday 10.00am – 4.30pm. Parking: Hospital car parks. Disabled Access: Fully accessible. Toilets: Available in the hospital. Additional info: 24/7 Filming is in operation throughout the Centre..

LARBERT PARISH CHURCH

Set beside the River Carron, the present church is a prominent landmark and dominates the skyline for miles around. The church opened in 1821at a cost of £4,400. Its architect, David Hamilton, also designed Falkirk Steeple. The style is Gothic with prominent crocketed finials on the corner buttresses and the west tower. The tower contains the main entrance and opens into a vaulted vestibule from which stairs rise to right and left to the gallery landings.

Between the stepped buttresses are tall traceried windows, many of which now contain stained glass. The styles are varied and well worth a visit in their own right.

The approach from the main road is between chamfered sandstone gatepiers with crenellated polished ashlar caps and decorative cast-iron gas lamp fittings. On the left is a pink granite marble fountain with a shallow bowl on a turned circular plinth, presented in 1923. On the right is the 1905 hall, designed by P. MacGregor Chalmers.

Courtesy of the congregation of Larbert Old Church.

Location: Larbert Old Church, Denny Road, Larbert FK5 3AB. Opening Times: Saturday 10.00am – 4.30pm, Sunday 12.30 - 4.30pm. Parking: Large car park beside the church. Disabled Access: Wheelchair access. Toilets: Toilets available in the church hall.

LARBERT PARISH CHURCHYARD

Adjacent to the parish church is a burial ground whose magnificent monuments neatly encapsulate the advent of the Industrial Revolution in Scotland. They are dominated by those relating to the Carron Ironworks, which was established in 1759. The large edifices to its managers range from an Italianate tomb, to a huge urned column and a Roman temple. Cast iron features strongly throughout the graveyard with elaborate railings and obelisks.

The Carron Enclosure contains beautiful examples of public art, including two tombs designed by John Hutchison of Edinburgh, one of the most famous sculptors of the late 19th century.

In its own separate enclosure stood the earliest cast iron funerary obelisk anywhere in the world. It commemorates the most famous Scottish explorer of his generation, as recorded on its panels:

“JAMES BRUCE ESQ OF KINNAIRD,/ WHO DIED ON THE 27th of APRIL 1794,/ IN THE 64th YEAR OF HIS AGE/ / HIS LIFE WAS SPENT PERFORMING/ USEFULL, AND SPLENDID ACTIONS/ HE EXPLORED MANY DISTANT REGIONS./ HE DISCOVERED THE FOUNTAINS OF THE NILE.,/ HE TRAVERSED THE DESERTS OF NUBIA.”

Although the graveyard is open al the year round, guided tours will be conducted on the hour during the Saturday of the opening of the church. DOBBIE HALL, Larbert

“Not any or all of the South African victories could have been celebrated in a more tangible form” (Falkirk Mail 1900).

This exuberant building with its 5-bay neo-baroque front elevation was designed by A & W Black, architects, Falkirk. It is topped by a deep bracketed main cornice and a balustraded parapet. The large central door is set in an arched Gibbsian surround flanked by Ionic pilasters and a curved broken pediment. Above this is a tripartite window with a triangular pediment and upper cartouche set between engaged Ionic columns surmounted by large curved broken pediment at wallhead.

The entrance hall is unusual in retaining its original layout with cloakrooms and toilets to either side. This includes the checking windows and counters. Fine tiled floors are found throughout the main access points.

The massive main hall is dominated by a lavish proscenium arch with engaged Corinthian columns and upper initialled cartouche. The ceiling is heavily coffered and richly decorated. A broad horseshoe-shaped gallery with neo-baroque front, supported on five Ionic columns, gives it an operatic feel. The upper lesser hall at first floor also has original detailing and plasterwork.

Courtesy of the Dobbie Hall Trust. Location: Dobbie Hall, Main Street, , Larbert. FK5 4BL. Opening times: Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm. Sunday 10.00am -4.00pm. Parking: Visitor car park on site. Disabled access: Ground floor fully accessible. LARBERT CARNEGIE LIBRARY

Built alongside the Dobbie Hall in 1904 and reflecting its rich façade was the public library (now known as the “Rotary Hall”). Indeed, it was the same architects – A & W Black. It presents two pediments to the main road. One contains an Italianate window with Gibbsian arch; the other a pedimented doorway with engaged Ionic columns. To the right of the door is a circular window set in a square surround.

The entrance hall has a plain mosaic floor with scrolled border. To its left, lighted by the Italianate window, is the panelled reading room. The main area of the library, where the book shelves stood, is now used as a store by the Larbert Operatic Society and the local dance group. The librarian’s howff is a hairdresser’s!

Opening details as for the Dobbie Hall. FALKIRK TOWN CENTRE

As part of the Falkirk Townscape Initiative there will be a temporary exhibition and a guided walk to illustrate and explore the living architecture of the shops in the town centre. The THI is a grant-giving scheme funded by Falkirk Council, HLF, Historic Scotland and others, that will see £5.5 million invested in Falkirk Town Centre between 2013 and 2018 with the aim of helping to regenerate the area through investing in its unique and rich heritage.

Falkirk Shopfronts Exhibition

Explore the history of shopfronts in the Falkirk area from the Victorian to the Post-War period in this free exhibition. Drawings from Falkirk Archive will be on display for the first time.

Location: Falkirk Town Centre (tbc) Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm, Sunday 12.00- 4.00pm (Please note this is a special Sunday opening)

Exploring Historic Shops

Falkirk has some great examples of traditional shopfronts and old shop signs. The shops have changed a lot over the years, but there are clues hinting at their unique historical character. Join leading expert Lindsey Lennie in exploring the historic features of Falkirk’s shops. Lindsey will be giving a talk about the history of shops and a walk around Falkirk’s historic shops. The walk will last approximately 1 hour.

Saturday 11.00 Talk Falkirk’s Historic Shops Talk The Hub, 45 Vicar Street Falkirk 12.30 Walk Exploring Falkirk’s Shops, Meet at The Hub, 45 Vicar Street

Let’s Build! Drop in LEGO Event

Come along to our builder’s yard and get creative with LEGO! Try to create a local shop, building or just have fun with bricks! All ages.

Location: Howgate Shopping Centre Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September between 11am-3pm

POLMONT YOUNG OFFENDERS INSTITUTE

Her Majesty's Young Offenders Institution Polmont is Scotland's national facility for young men aged between 16 and 21 years. Polmont cares for all such committed to custody on remand (untried) and convicted sentences. The Scottish Government invested in a comprehensive rebuild of HMYOI Polmont, which was completed approximately 4 years ago.

Polmont’s position has provided a unique opportunity to deliver the Scottish Prison Service’s vision of Unlocking Potential and Transforming Lives. For Polmont the Vision for Young People in custody is: “To use the time a young person spends in custody to enable them to prepare for a positive future” making every contact an opportunity to learn.

This vision recognises that for some their time in custody may represent a chance - a rare chance - for them to engage in education or find someone who can help to point them to a better future. In addition, the approach seeks to mitigate the negative aspects of custody and, importantly, to use the period of custody to prepare actively for a positive future.

Polmont has developed a new regime to deliver the four key priorities: learning and skills; parenting and families; through care and casework; and health and wellbeing. There has been extensive investment in Polmont over recent times, and this can be seen in the number and diversity of the activities on offer. These include partnerships with Education providers, Parenting classes, Vocational Training, youth work, hairdressers, radio station, also Links centres, NHS harm reduction programmes and working with third sector agencies.

Visitors require to be 16 or over and provide photographic identification (see introduction above). Prior to being admitted you will undergo “airport” style security checks. Mobile phones are not permitted in the establishment and we ask that you keep personal belongings to a minimum and any keys, wallets handbags etc to be stored in the secure lockers at the front of house. The guided tours will take place on Sunday between 6.00pm - 8.00pm. Places are limited and so booking is essential. Email [email protected]

Courtesy of the Scottish Prison Service.

Location: Polmont YOI, . FK2 0AB. Visitors parking available. Disabled Access: Wheelchair user access. KINNEIL HOUSE

Set within a carefully designed park landscape Kinneil House or Palace was built for James Hamilton the second Earl of Arran when he was the Protector and Governor of Scotland from 1542 to 1554 during the minority of Mary, Queen of Scots. For a few short years it was the seat of Scottish government.

It still houses the best 16th and 17th century murals in Scotland. The bed chamber is now known as the Arbour room and the painting is full of foliage, scrolls and animals. This was later painted over in imitation of wainscoting and a coffered ceiling containing the 1621 coat of arms of Arran. The withdrawing chamber has a number of biblical scenes on the walls, notably the Good Samaritan.

In 1677 Anne Duchess of Hamilton began a programme of renovation, producing the house and grounds as they appear today. By the late 18th century the house was being let. Dr John Roebuck lived here 1764-94. Dugald Stewart the philosopher was the last tenant 1809-1828.

The grounds are also the setting for events connected with the Roman Week, which runs from 17th to 24th September. The runs close to the House and the remains of a Roman fortlet can be seen. There is also a 12th century church. Kinneil Museum, located in the old coachhouse, is open from 2- 4pm.

Courtesy of Historic Scotland and the Friends of Kinneil.

Location: Kinneil House, Kinneil Estate, Provost Rd, Falkirk. EH51 0PR. Opening Times: Saturday 1.00pm - 4.00pm. Parking: In the park. Disabled Access: Wheelchair user access to ground floor only. Toilets: available. GRANGEMOUTH STADIUM

The large athletics stadium at Grangemouth was officially opened on 9th July 1966 when two Scottish all-comers records were broken and one national record was matched. The venue rapidly became a national centre for events and in 1967 the Scottish Paraplegic Games were held at Grangemouth. The stadium was designed by the town's architects, Wilson & Wilson, and constructed by Chisholm & Co, contractors. The most notable building was the stand, which fronted the straight length of running track. The tiered concrete seating had a capacity of 2,200 under a covered roof. Under the seating were changing rooms, showers, offices, a first aid station, cafeteria and toilet facilities. A major innovation was the use of a rub-cor all-weather running track. Outside the running track was a cycle track with a chamfered course. It took three and a half laps to complete a mile. The outer edge of the cycle track rested on a concrete terrace wall, beyond which were several tiers of concrete terracing for spectators. As completed these could take a further 8,000 people. A large earth bank extended the terracing and kept the wind out. In the centre of the running track was a games pitch and rubberised jumping pits. Improvements to the facilities continued over the years. In 1997 a £1.2 million investment saw a 60m indoor synthetic running track constructed to the east of the stand. For the first time athletes could train in all weathers. Facilities in this new centre included pole-vaulting and jumping. In 2004 it was extended, doubling its size to over 2100 square metres to create one of the best sports facilities in Scotland - home for the National Indoor Athletics Academy. The 2014 Commonwealth Games athletics track at Hampden Park was lifted and moved to Grangemouth Stadium as part of the Games legacy programme. Grangemouth Stadium was the busiest athletics event stadium in the UK in 2013.

Open courtesy of Falkirk Community Trust

Location: Grangemouth Stadium, Kersiebank Avenue, Grangemouth. FK3 0EE. Opening Times: Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm, Sunday 9.00-4.30pm. Parking: Car parks adjacent to the stadium. Disabled Access: Access to all ground floor areas. Toilets: Inside the buildings.