Doors Open 2018: Saturday 8th September

The Society contributed to this year's Doors Open programme in East Dunbartonshire on Saturday 8th September by its presence in the Town Hall and by hosting a guided historical walk focusing on  the railways of Kirkintilloch.

In the Town Hall, the Society provided an overview on its activities and presented a display on the ubiquitous red cast iron telephone boxes manufactured in Kirkintilloch - "The Kirkie Kiosk", curated by Don Martin, the Society's secretary. Various committee members and office bearers - Rita Bennie, David Graham, Les Jenkins, Valerie McClure and Ivan Ruddock - were also in attendance to provide information and answer visitors' questions.

The Society's stand and exhibition in Kirkintilloch's Town Hall. (© I.S.Ruddock)

In the afternoon, Don led a walk from the Town Hall to Eastside where he described the extensive railway system that Kirkintilloch could once be proud of. In the vicinity of the town's former railway station and later the Forth & Clyde canal's unique aqueduct, he explained how the railway grew from the small beginnings of the pioneering Monkland & Kirkintilloch Railway and contributed to the development of the town's iron founding industry before closing in the early 1960s with barely a trace of its existence now being visible.

Don Martin giving his introductory
remarks outiside the Town Hall prior
to leading the walk to Eastside.
(© I.S.Ruddock)