Former 1970s Irn Bru factory set to open doors to the public

This Saturday, 20 September from 11am to 4pm, as part of Doors Open Days 2025, visitors will get the opportunity to step behind the doors of the former factory and find out more about the plans for the project ahead of the centre opening next year, as well as seeing demonstrations of the types of traditional skills training that the centre will offer.

Visitors will learn about what it is like to work with stained glass, how ancient skills like thatching and stonemasonry are being brought forward into the future, and how HES works with both old and new technologies to conserve and protect Scotland’s historic environment. For those who prefer to learn by doing, HES will also be offering soap carving activities to teach both young and old visitors about stone carving techniques and the history of the practice.

Scottish Canals will be providing information about the site and their plans to revitalise the neglected area of the Forth & Clyde Canal into a thriving waterside centre focused on community (volunteering), heritage skills, training and local employment.

Visitors will also get the opportunity to hear firsthand from Scottish Canals about the major engineering works currently being undertaken along the Falkirk Flight ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Link Project.

Younger visitors will be able to enjoy Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) activities and hear from the local canal associations, educational establishments and community groups.

Lock 16 - Scotland’s Centre of Excellence for Canals & Traditional Skills is funded by the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF), Scottish Canals and Historic Environment Scotland.