05 June 2025

Could your community group take on Kinneil Museum building?

🤝 Former stables is available for Community Asset Transfer.
📷 The Kinneil Museum building sits within the historic Kinneil Estate in Bo'ness.
📷 The Kinneil Museum building sits within the historic Kinneil Estate in Bo'ness.

Falkirk Council is inviting community groups to get in touch if they’re interested in taking on the former stables that house Kinneil Museum through a  Community Asset Transfer (CAT).

Located within the historic Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness, the building includes two floors of gallery/exhibition space and a toilet.

Currently the museum welcomes around 2600 visitors each year. Community groups interested in taking on the space may want to explore ways to increase footfall by introducing additional community uses, such as a café.

If no viable interest is received, the building will close on 31 March 2026.

Support availableĀ 

The Council has a dedicated CAT team on hand to guide community groups through the process, answer questions, and help shape viable proposals.

Additional support is available from CVS Falkirk, which can assist with early-stage planning, business case development, building skills and capacity, and identifying potential funding sources.

A £3 million SPR Capital Enabling Fund is also in place to support eligible capital works that improve the condition and energy performance of buildings undergoing CAT.

Image
šŸ“· The museum sits within Kinneil Estate, which is home to several historic buildings - including Kinneil House (pictured above) and the former workshop of inventor James Watt.

Join the conversationĀ 

The Council continues to work with Historic Environment Scotland and community groups, such as Friends of Kinneil, to support the wider Kinneil Estate, ensuring it remains protected, promoted, and accessible to the public. 

Discussions are also underway with key stakeholders about the future operation of Kinneil Museum through a potential CAT or Alternative Delivery Model. Anyone interested in being part of these conversations is encouraged to contact the SPR team.

Paul Kettrick, Falkirk Council’s Head of Investment, Assets & Climate, said:

We’ve already worked with a number of community groups to help them take on council-owned buildings, and it would be great to see the Kinneil Museum building transferred through CAT to help secure its long-term future.  

“Taking on a B-listed property does come with responsibilities, but support is available to help make the process as smooth and successful as possible.

“If you or your group would like to get involved or explore this opportunity, we’d encourage you to get in touch and start the conversation as soon as possible.

If you would like more information, please email:

Strategic Property Review