UPDATE: Falkirk is set to transform the derelict site of a former Irn-Bru factory into a pioneering national hub dedicated to teaching heritage skills, with completion projected for spring 2027. The ambitious £12.9 million project, located at Lock 16 on the Forth & Clyde Canal, aims to revitalize the local area and preserve traditional building techniques.
During a recent meeting, Falkirk councillors received an update from Richard Miller of Scottish Canals, who emphasized the project’s potential to breathe new life into a site that has remained vacant since AG Barr closed the factory in the 1990s. Miller highlighted that Falkirk has historical significance as a center of the Industrial Revolution, stating, “If you scratch the surface, those skills are still there.”
The development will serve as a shared base for Scottish Canals and Heritage Environment Scotland, focusing on essential conservation skills. The project also aims to celebrate Falkirk’s rich industrial heritage, potentially bringing back the famous cannons made at the Carron Iron Works for refurbishment.
Miller reported strong community interest, noting the success of a recent open day at the site, where over 400 visitors braved inclement weather. He stated, “The future of our canals depends on these skills – the future of our castles and our heritage depends on these skills.”
The project is expected to create five new permanent jobs within the training center, alongside approximately 20 additional jobs related to the initiative. It will also offer 15 Modern Apprenticeships in stonemasonry and an additional five in rural skills, along with various volunteering opportunities.
The £12.9 million funding includes £4 million from the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, and councillors have already approved submitting a full business case to the UK and Scottish Governments. This critical step will help secure further funding for the next phase of this vital project.
Miller stressed the importance of preserving traditional skills, particularly in light of climate change, which poses ongoing challenges to historic infrastructure. He noted that weather events, such as the recent extreme rainfall that eroded the banks of the Union Canal at Muiravonside, highlight the urgent need for skilled workers to address these evolving threats.
As the project unfolds, Falkirk’s community can look forward to a revitalized area that not only honors its industrial past but also equips future generations with the skills necessary to safeguard its heritage. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Falkirk takes a significant step toward preserving its rich history and promoting sustainable practices.
