As a council, we work hard to promote the cultural heritage of North Lanarkshire so that visitors and the local community can learn more about the area. Why not take the opportunity to explore some of the collections and facilities we have to offer!
Community services' museums and heritage section enjoys its role of educating and stimulating the local community and visitors through the creative use of collections and facilities. It also organises an extensive programme of events and exhibitions to cater for all.
Your first stop could be Motherwell Heritage Centre's multi-media 'Technopolis' facility, which uses hands-on technology to take visitors on a journey from Roman times to the present day. Starting with the arrival of the Romans to the area, you can travel through the rise and fall of heavy industry to the present day regeneration of the district. Latest audio-visual displays, talking figures, re-created streets and foundry scenes really bring the industrial hey-day to life.
For a wonderful view over the Clyde Valley, visitors can take the stairs or lift to the viewing tower. On a clear day, enjoy excellent views from Lanarkshire's Tinto Hills right down to Glasgow and beyond to Ben Lomond.
More information about the Romans in North Lanarkshire can be found in Cumbernauld Museum at the town centre's library.
Also available is a family history research room, with skilled staff available to advise on tracing family trees and other aspects of local history.
The Colzium-Lennox Estate, which is open throughout the year, is rich in history and boasts a traditional Scottish ice-house and fine walled gardens. Further local history displays can be found within Kilsyth Library at Burngreen.
Get closer to the stars at Airdrie Observatory – one of only three public observatories to be found in Scotland. It first opened in 1896 with a six inch telescope. Over the years, its telescope collection has been added to for use both on-site and at 'dark sky' observing sessions. It is operated on behalf of the council by the Airdrie branch of ASTRA (Association in Scotland to Research into Astronautics) and can be found within Airdrie Library.
If you are looking for peace and tranquillity, then take a trip to Carfin Grotto and Pilgrimage Centre. The Grotto, built in the 1920s, is an ideal setting for peaceful walks. Daily mass is now celebrated in the Glass Chapel of Our Lady Maid of the Seas. The Pilgrimage Centre is a new facility at the Grotto that uses modern display techniques to tell the fascinating story of pilgrimage through the ages. Afterwards, enjoy a 'cuppa' within the centre's café or browse through the large range of religious books and goods on display.
In addition to these attractions, North Lanarkshire Council manages Lenziemill Archive Centre in Cumbernauld, Airdrie Local Studies Room and Shotts Heritage Centre. For further information, telephone 0141 304 1975.
One of our main attractions in the area, Summerlee Heritage Park, is now closed for a major Heritage Lottery Fund-supported redevelopment. The main exhibition hall is to be the focus of fine new displays and interactive activities on the social and industrial history of the area. On reopening, there will be a new Kid's Discovery Zone, education suite, meeting rooms and cafe, plus all Summerlee's regular attractions of the electric tramway, mine and cottages, playpark and exhibition gallery. It is expected that Summerlee will reopen in the spring of 2008 and we look forward to seeing you then.
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