Press Releases

New art and craft centre at Mugdock

Wednesday, 5th December, 2007

As part of the current service development plan, the Mugdock Country Park's Joint Management Committee is now proud to announce the opening of the park's new art and craft centre, which opened on December 1, 2007.

The new centre is being franchised to the Mugdock Makkers who are a highly talented group of people with various and wide-ranging skills in arts and crafts.  There will be over 30 of these talented people under one roof and a delightful diversity on offer coupled with Mugdock Park’s awesome splendour and setting which makes the park a great attraction visitors and businesses alike.  The gallery will be open every day starting at 12 noon and closing at 5pm.

There was work from some of Scotland's finest artists and crafts people on display at the gallery.  In addition to being open every day of the week for general sales, there is an added attraction for country park visitors on Saturdays and Sundays when different members of the Makkers will be showing how they create their art.  The activities will be from 2pm until 4.30pm on these days.  Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet the artists, ask them about their work and even have a go themselves.

On show was a selection of superb paintings from the likes of Gillian Kingslake, Peter Pollock andIan Shanlin.  Along with fabulous jewellery made by Mhairi Sim and Jean Murphy; beautiful hand painted porcelain by Alison Borthwick, fused glasswork by Julie Chapman and Eilidh Mackenzie, ceramics by Eleanor Caie and Stuart Grant, plus mosaics, basketry and much more.

Councillor Eric Gotts, chairman of Mugdock Country Park's Joint Management Committee said: "I am delighted that all the hard work of the management committee and Mugdock Makkers over the last two years has finally come to fruition.  This new facility not only brings a new and exciting sales outlet to the park, but also provides an opportunity to bring together the best of Scottish Art and Craft under one roof.  I have no doubt that this new gallery will help to highlight the skills and commitment to traditional arts and crafts by these talented people”

Vice Chairman Councillor Colin O’Brien added: "The opening of the new Art and Craft centre adds another dimension to Mugdock Country Park which will bring an economic difference to the area.  It also highlights the success of the partnership between Stirling Council, East Dunbartonshire Council and Mugdock Country Park’s Joint Management Committee.”

Mugdock Country Park’s Joint Management Committee has been developing partnerships with service providers for many years.  Such work has made possible new and exciting initiatives over the last few years including Mugdock Plantaria’s garden centre, farmshop and garden house restaurant and the summer opening of Mugdock Castle to visitors.