Renton heritage centre will be a fitting tribute to Robert the Bruce

Dec 4 2009 Lennox Herald (main editorial)

A FEW weeks ago I saw an item on the news stating Renton Railway Station had been converted into a heritage centre in honour of Robert the Bruce.
I was intrigued by this and so I made my way down to Renton in the hope of being able to have a look through the windows. There appeared to be a meeting in progress, so I turned to leave, however I had already been spotted by Duncan Thomson, of Strathleven Artizans, who beckoned me to come back.
Duncan very kindly suspended the meeting for five minutes or so to welcome me to the centre and took the time to explain to me what they had already done and the work in progress to have the centre fully operational by next year.
I was absolutely astonished at what they have already achieved. The paraphernalia relating to the Bruce is fascinating and the artwork on the ceiling is breathtaking.
Strathleven Artizans have done a really tremendous job. They had a dream and, with the vision and the fortitude to see it through, they have fashioned that dream into a reality.
It took a lot of hard work and extensive research but they proved the old adage that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
As the centre is on the Glasgow/Balloch line, it would be a great tourist attraction, with possibly a small tearoom adjacent to the centre. Passengers could alight, visit the centre, and adjourn to the tearoom to await the return train.
I am aware that, given the present economic climate, funding is scarce but surely the SNP group could petition the Edinburgh administration to support this project, which is a worthy tribute to our hero king.

Michael Docherty11 James Street Alexandria

A view from inside the Heritage Centre