Falcon Square through the ages

Have you ever wondered about Falcon Square and the industry that Inverness was built on?

If so, join Local Historian Eileen MacAskill for the next session in the development of the Heritage Trail for Academy Street.  The session will focus on Falcon Square Past and Present and will take place from 10am – 12.30pm at Inverness Library on Tuesday 7 February 2017.

Inverness Townscape Heritage Project is working with Inverness Museum & Art Gallery to develop a heritage trail for Academy Street in Inverness. Your involvement is essential for the development of the trail, so we are appealing to anyone with an interest in the industrial heritage of the City to come along on Tuesday.

Eileen MacAskill will lead this session and share how she conducted her research on Falcon Foundry. Eileen will also show how to explore the library’s archive collection, including trade directories and newspapers.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about online resources available for historic research.  There will also be the chance to put your new skills into practice and do some practical research into one of the buildings on or near Falcon Square.

The Townscape Heritage Project has commissioned the creation of a digital trail of Academy Street and this is being delivered in partnership by Inverness Museum and Art Gallery and AOC Archaeology Group.  Material uncovered during this session may be used for the content of the trail, so do come along and be part of the fun!

In his capacity as Chair of the Townscape Heritage Partnership Board, Councillor Richard Laird, said: “This is a unique opportunity for anyone who has an interest in Falcon Square to access both the library’s archive collection and Eileen’s specialist knowledge.  The Square has a long and varied history and this will give an insight into some of the past and present trade and industry which has occupied this space.”

Inverness Townscape Heritage project is a partnership initiative with Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and the Highland Council.  The project focusses on the regeneration of Academy Street through its rich heritage. 

You can book in person at IMAG, tel (01463) 237114 or email: inverness.museum@highlifehighland.com

Note to editors:

The Inverness Townscape Heritage project is a grant-giving scheme that helps communities to regenerate Conservation Areas displaying particular social or economic need.

Focusing on Academy Street, the Townscape Heritage project involves funding from the Heritage Lottery, Historic Environment Scotland and the Highland Council, contributing to a project fund, from which grants are given to local property owners, businesses and organisations to allow them to carry out high-quality repairs and historic reinstatement to properties and spaces within the defined TH area.

The aim of the Inverness TH project is to improve the quality of life for those who live, work or visit Academy Street by:
• Preserving and enhancing the character and appearance of the street
• Repairing and restoring authentic details and materials
• Bringing historic buildings back into appropriate, sustainable and economic use
• Improving public realm to make Academy Street a welcoming and attractive environment
• Increasing training opportunities in heritage skills and wider community engagement.

Full details of the project can be viewed via www.academystreet.org