It’s full steam ahead for a special exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of Scotland’s first modern railway and it’s happening in the heart of Kirkintilloch.
The much anticipated exhibition, in the town’s Auld Kirk Museum*, was officially opened by Provost Gillian Renwick earlier this month and will run until Wednesday 20 May 2026.
Visitors will learn the story of the Monkland & Kirkintilloch Railway which opened in 1826 and covered a 10-mile route from collieries in the Monklands to the Forth & Clyde Canal in Kirkintilloch.
The East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust’s Heritage & Arts Team put the exhibition together with the invaluable help of local historian and railway expert, Don Martin MBE.
It features items from the East Dunbartonshire Archives, held at the William Patrick Library, including a contemporary drawing of the first Monkland & Kirkintilloch Locomotive and another early drawing that shows a remarkable Horse Trial in 1828.
There’s also a large contemporary coloured map of the whole line and several of Don’s photographs from the 1960s that have never been shown before are also on display.
Fascinating objects from East Dunbartonshire’s museum’s collection such as sections of rail, stone sleeper blocks and an Edmondson Ticket Dating Press with a representation of Monkland Railways tickets are sure to be popular.
And finally, a selection of objects from the Lenzie Gauge 0 Group, featuring a range of appropriate models of locomotives and wagons can be viewed.
Provost Renwick said, “I was thrilled to officially open this excellent exhibition and be among the first visitors to get a look at the memorabilia and other materials associated with the Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway which has such an important place in our local heritage.”
It was lovely to hear people’s childhood memories of the railway and how it had an impact on their lives and the lives of their families and neighbours.
"Stories of riding bikes a bit too close to the tracks for comfort, getting ‘hurls’ on the level crossing gates to give any passers-by the fear and tales of people’s commutes to work and walks to school near the line."
“I have my own personal connection to the railway that I am very proud of. It was because of the railway that the Renwick family came to live in Kirkintilloch - my Great Gran worked at the Kirkintilloch rail halt."
“She moved the family to Washington Road at the start of WW2 and inspected tickets at the Monklands/Kirkintilloch Rail Halt. Years later my Dad used to take his porter’s barrow down to the halt to collect the newspapers for Forsyth's newspaper shop. That's where deliveries, post, and people all arrived so the halt really was a hub of community activity.”
There is something for everyone in the exhibition - whether you’re a steam train enthusiast or just keen to learn more. Over the Easter holidays, on Saturday 11 April, there will be a Family Fun Day where children can dress up, take part in creative activities and hunt for Easter eggs, all while enjoying learning about the railway.
The following groups/individuals contributed to the exhibition:
- The Lenzie Gauge 0 Group
- Gill Harrison who provided access to the David K Harrison Collection
- Kirkintilloch and District Society of Antiquaries
- North Lanarkshire Council’s Museum service.
* The Auld Kirk Museum is in Cowgate, Kirkintilloch, G66 1HN and its opening hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10am-1pm and 2-5pm.
