Bothwell Futures

Another Good Reason for Celebrations in Bothwell

There’s no doubt, the annual Bothwell Scarecrow Festival has rejuvenated the village and it has also re-awakened the most important asset we have here in Bothwell: great community spirit! With the recent formation of local Community Trust, Bothwell Futures, one of our most iconic public buildings has been saved from closure.

Bothwell Library, the former Donald Institute, has been placed back into the hands of the community by means of a Community Asset Transfer. Funding has been secured to preserve the Category C Listed building for continued community use, and we are in the process of an ambitious plan to transform it into a vibrant Community Hub.

Renovations are due to begin very soon which will help us retain our treasured local library service, albeit on a smaller scale, and re-energise the existing space by creating an exciting focal point for residents, businesses, and visitors to Bothwell. Our vision for the building is to open it up as a welcoming, social space where groups and individuals can come together for information, support and advice in a multi-purpose recreational facility which will host a variety of activities and classes, with a calendar of pop-up shops and exhibitions. And of course, an additional venue to add to the fun of the Scarecrow Festival in 2023.

A Nod to the Past as we Look to the Future!

The library building that you see today, is the result of a decision made in 1906 by local villagers to make good use of a very generous bequest to the village by the Industrialist, James Donald after his death in 1905. His gift to Bothwell was invaluable in the restoration of Bothwell Parish Church, the installation of a stained-glass window there and the monument to Joanna Baillie which stands within the church grounds. It was also agreed that a new building should be constructed to house reading and games rooms primarily for the recreational benefit of the coalminers who worked in the local Bothwell Colliery. The building work was completed in 1910 and the Donald Institute has held a door open for the community since then. We hope to extend that welcome for generations to come.

Growing and Working Together for Bothwell

With the creation of the Community Hub, we have a fantastic opportunity to come together to design and shape a facility that continues to serve us all. We hold a valuable legacy in our hands and with it the responsibility to protect it as a public space for the benefit of all who appreciate its value.

Your input is crucial to the success of this project and there are numerous ways to be involved. There will soon be variety of volunteering opportunities available at the Hub. We would also love you to share your memories, stories or photographs of the building, as well as your ideas and opinions on its future use. What would you like to see happening there? Please let us know what you think in the form below.

There are competitions being held in the local schools to encourage local young people to become involved by designing a logo and naming the building. We particularly encourage your involvement if you fall into that age group as it is you and your friends who will carry this legacy into the future. Young, experienced, challenged and talented. There is a place for us all in Bothwell.

Please Stop and Say Hello

Bothwell Futures will have a stall at the Scarecrow Festival to answer any questions you may have so please stop by and say hello. We are also holding a charity fundraising Race Night, sponsored by Baba’s Kitchen at Bothwell Bowling Club on Saturday 17^th September ’22 so come along and show your support. If you would like to know more about Bothwell Futures or the progress of the Community Hub, then complete the form below.

We hope you have a great time during the festival and look forward to seeing you there.

 

 

17 September, 18 September