Latest news with #SummerleeMuseumofScottishIndustrialLife
Scotsman
2 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Summerlee Museum: Scotland's only heritage tram line halted for 2 years as job unable to be filled
Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scotland's only heritage tram ride has been out of action for more than two years because its museum has searched in vain for someone to run the operation. Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life has halted trips pending the appointment of a tram and historic vehicles technician, which has so far attracted no suitable applicants. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Passengers boarding a tram at Summerlee | Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life The quarter-mile-long line boasted Scotland's only working trams until Edinburgh's line opened in 2014. Heritage campaigners hope the post will be filled so Glasgow's last tram, which is being restored at the site in Coatbridge, can also run there. A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council, which runs the museum, said: "We have tried unsuccessfully to recruit someone with the suitable experience and qualifications to operate the tram and are now exploring other options available to us. 'The tramway is not in operation, but we are still working on returning it to service.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The job, which the council described as a 'unique opportunity', was last advertised last year with an annual salary of up to £31,737. It involves 'a wide variety of activities that relate to the safe operation of the museum tramway and historic engineering exhibits'. Experience in maintenance and project planning is required, 'with knowledge of working with a range of historic vehicles being advantageous'. A 1904 tram built for Paisley and later used in Glasgow in operation at Summerlee | Hugh Dougherty Hugh Dougherty, Scottish correspondent of the steam and vintage machinery magazine Old Glory, said: "The two-year suspension of trams on Scotland's only heritage tramway is much to be regretted. But it has to be said that North Lanarkshire Council has made strenuous efforts to attract a qualified person to the post of supervising the tramway and working steam engines at the museum. 'Such a person is becoming increasingly hard to find as traditional engineering skills die out, although some enthusiasts feel that the museum is offering an over-demanding post, given the salary on offer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'However, artist's impressions of what the revamped museum street will look like show a tram in action, and, having interviewed museum management, I am convinced they are determined to resolve the tramway issue.' Mr Dougherty said resumption of the tramway was particularly important for the impending completion of a long-running project to restore the last tram to run in Glasgow when its network closed in 1962. Summerlee's 1904 Paisley tram was originally a double decker before being converted to a single decker for driver training in Glasgow | Hugh Dougherty He said: 'Volunteer Charlie McAloon and his squad are expertly restoring a Glasgow Coronation tram to full working order in the Summerlee workshops and it would be very deflating for them, as well as a loss to Scotland's tramway heritage, if the tram can't be operated after so much expert work being done on it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The tramway issue must be resolved to everyone's satisfaction - the Office of Rail and Road [safety regulator], the museum staff, council safety officers, volunteers and visitors alike - for Summerlee to regain its true potential as a working, industrial museum." The council spokesperson added: "Summerlee remains one of Scotland's most popular attractions - this summer we held a family day, which attracted more than 2,000 people.
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life to host steam fair
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge will host the Steam Fair on August 9 and 10. The event will feature a variety of free activities, including a photo opportunity with the Airdrie and Coatbridge Photographic Club, a chance to become a detective with a police artist photo ID kit, and a bouncy castle. Read more: 'Exciting' wrestling event coming to North Lanarkshire this month - what to expect New community centre opens in park as hub for grassroots projects Visitors will also be able to enjoy a ride on the museum's miniature steam train, a visit to the old-fashioned sweet shop, and a coal mine tour. There will also be arts and craft activities, an all-day dinosaur trail, and the opportunity to grab a snack at the Capocci Man's ice cream van. The museum has invited people of all ages to join in the fun, stating: 'Whether you're a mini engineer, a curious explorer, or just here for the sweeties and crafts, there's something for everyone!' For more information, visit Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life's Facebook page.
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Summerlee Museum to host two jazz concerts this month
On Saturday, August 30, the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life will feature the Tenement Jazz Band. The first performance at 3pm will be a family-friendly show, promising an interactive experience for both children and adults. This will be followed by an evening performance at 7pm, designed to offer a smooth, atmospheric journey into the "rich sounds of New Orleans jazz". Read more: Archive chronicling North Lanarkshire's history receives major recognition These performances are part of North Lanarkshire Council's Music in the Museum programme, which aims to provide diverse musical experiences in the area each month. Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, which has earned a reputation as 'Scotland's noisiest museum' due to its lively events, hopes the upcoming jazz performances will offer people a chance to enjoy music in a unique setting. Read more: North Lanarkshire Council marks World Breastfeeding Week with record rates The museum has made a limited number of free tickets available to those with a North Lanarkshire postcode who face financial barriers. These tickets can be requested without any questions asked. To find out more about the event, visit the North Lanarkshire Council website or the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life Facebook page.
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Coatbridge museum to host science show featuring rockets
The Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge will host the Amazing Air Pressure show on Wednesday, July 30. This family-friendly event will present a series of experiments that demonstrate the power of air pressure, including launching rockets and firing an air cannon. Read more: Families invited to two silent discos this summer - here's how to join in The show is being run by Mr N, a YouTuber who specialises in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content. Demonstrations are designed to be both educational and affordable, using everyday materials. The show aims to showcase low-cost experiments for curious minds to replicate at home. Read more: Scottish singer announces 'biggest show ever' in Glasgow Visitors will have the opportunity to catch the show at five different times throughout the day, with performances scheduled for 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. The show is suitable for all ages. Tickets are priced at £6. More information about the upcoming event is available on the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life website. Budding scientists can also find more experimental inspiration on the STEM with Mr N YouTube channel.
Glasgow Times
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Teenagers invited to Coatbridge filmmaking taster session
The TWENTY20 Pictures Taster Session will take place at the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge. It is designed to offer young people aged 14 to 18 an introduction to filmmaking and acting in front of the camera. Read more: Award-winning Glaswegian comedian to headline North Lanarkshire event Budding filmmakers will be challenged to create a unique short film of their own choosing, whether it be a scripted drama, documentary, music video, or experimental short. The youngsters will also learn a variety of hands-on filming techniques, including sound/foley effects and lighting effects, all under the guidance of an experienced filmmaker. The workshops will run from noon to 4pm on July 22 to 23, with tickets priced at £20 for both days. Those interested in attending can book a place through the North Lanarkshire Council culture website or by phoning 01698 274545. More information about the sessions can be found on the Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life Facebook page.
