A new welcome wall has been officially unveiled in Newmains, offering a warm greeting to visitors and celebrating the village’s heritage.
Located at the busy Newmains Cross junction, the wall is a striking addition to the community garden and can be seen from all directions.
It incorporates decorative stonework reclaimed from a former local primary school, preserving an essential part of the village’s history.
The design also includes a seating area at the rear, positioned to face other artworks and the Jim Murray memorial statue, creating a peaceful space for reflection. Built-in planters at the front of the wall have been adopted by the NCT Gardening Group, with young people from the local youth club helping to plant and maintain them.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by representatives from Newmains & St Brigid’s Primary Schools—where pupils help look after the planters – as well as members of Newmains & District Community Council, the NCT Centre, the gardening group, local councillors, and the council’s Community Partnership Team.
Councillor Geraldine Woods, the council’s Convener of Communities, said: “This fantastic project not only enhances the area visually but also reflects the rich heritage of Newmains. It’s a real source of pride for everyone involved.”
The project was delivered through a partnership between the Community Partnership Team, Newmains & District Community Council, and the NCT Centre, with funding provided through the Local Development Programme, which is managed by the council.
A second phase of the project is planned in the coming months, including feature lighting and a plaque on the front of the wall.
The plaque will commemorate the steelworks, an important part of Newmains’ industrial past.
Newmains councillor Robert John McKendrick posted on social media: “The wall incorporates some key salvaged stones from the old Newmains Primary School to ensure some of the villages history is retained.
“A further small scale project will be taken forward in the coming months by NLCs Community Partnership Team working with Newmains Community Council to incorporate a plaque on the front of the wall that will represent the iroworks, a vital part of the industrial history of Newmains and surrounding villages.
“Thank you to the school children involved in supporting the NCT Community Gardening Group who have kindly agreed to adopt the wall planters.”
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