Kirkintilloch Townhall Preservation Trust

Patron Sir Charles Gray CBA, FRSA, FEIS, JP 

To-day I'm writing about the Kirkintilloch Townhall. The site was bought by Public Subscription and the money left over went into the building itself.

The East Dunbartonshire Council ignored a petition signed by 2,000 people and a further petition by 700 citizens we got to sign saying that they wanted the Hall preserved and in Public use.

We formed the Preservation Trust, registered as a Charity and as a Limited Company. We now have over 200 members of the Trust including members in South Africa, Canada and the United States of America- and of course the United Kingdom.

The Council Closed the Hall in July 2004 as it decided that if was no longer of use to them. The Hall looks really sad and neglected- as it has been. The Council gave an unlimited Option on the Hall to Kirkintilloch's Initiative- and that's where matters stand at present.

We formed a Trust and we are now a Charity and LTD Company. We got grants from Architectural Heritage and TSB Foundation to have an Options Appraisal and Business Plan done. It has now started.

Our Architect assures us that the Townhall is saveable. We have put a bid in to KI along with two Developers and meet them on the 11th of October. We are hopeful of our bid being accepted as we have a sustainable business plan , and funders interested in the Preservation of the Townhall.

We are gathering letters of Support and would like one from anyone who remembers the Hall or have entertained in it. I have even had a letter from HRH Prince Charles's Office. The Antitquaries will soon be publishing a book of the History of the Hall and this is to support the Kirkintilloch Townhall Preservation Trust.

PAM MCGAUGHRIN MBE VICE CHAIR