Press Release
Our ref: 4b.51.11
Date of Release: 4th June 2009
For Immediate Issue
New Lanark Roof Garden Reaches New Heights
at the Scottish Design Awards 2009
The innovative design of the New Lanark Roof Garden has won a Commendation at
the Scottish Design Awards 2009. Constructed on 9,000 sq ft of roof of the A Listed
Mill No. 2 in the heart of New Lanark World Heritage Site the Roof Garden is the
largest of its kind in Scotland. Visitors to New Lanark Visitor Centre are able to view
this amazing garden and enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the historic village
and the surrounding natural scenery.
Award-winning Garden Designer and Landscape Architect, Douglas Coltart of
Viridarium designed the garden which incorporates a central water feature,
decorative planting - with over 70 different plants and shrubs, and sculptures of birds,
animals and insects created by a number of different artists.
Douglas Coltart, commented:
"Designing the Roof Garden was a really exciting project. The space and its unique
location presented a wonderful opportunity and a host of challenges. I'm delighted
that the Scottish Design Awards 2009 judging panel recognised the level of design
work which went into developing an attractive and accessible space on top of
this historic building."
The concept of creating a Roof Garden at New Lanark was influenced by the ideals
of Robert Owen who was both mill manager (1800-1825) and social pioneer, and
quotations from his writings are displayed on bronze plaques around the garden.
In partnership with Scotland’s Garden Scheme the New Lanark Trust is hosting a
‘Midsummer Evening Event’ on the Roof Garden on Sunday 21st June between
6.00pm and 9.30pm. Admission to this event is £5.00 per person and includes
musical entertainment and a glass of wine/soft drink. Tickets can be purchased in
advance by credit/debit card over the phone - 01555 661345, or from the New Lanark
Gift Shop. Alternatively purchase your ticket/s from the Gift Shop on the evening.
The Visitor Centre and Roof Garden are open year round. Visit www.newlanark.org
for more information.
Ends.
Graeme Maciver, Development Officer, New Lanark Trust,
Tel: 01555 661345 / trust@newlanark.org / www.newlanark.org
Notes to editors:
New Lanark (by Lanark) is around an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
New Lanark Visitor Centre is open daily all year (closed 25 Dec & 1 Jan): April to
September 10.30am – 5.00pm, October to March 11.00am – 5.00pm.
The Visitor Centre and Roof Garden are fully accessible. Wheelchair users may
require assistance in some areas. Access to the Roof Garden is by Lift, however
stairs are available if preferred. Factsheet is available on request for visitors with
mobility problems.
Mill Number 2 is currently home to New Lanark Mill Hotel’s contemporary and
adaptable conference facilities, and also to the Hotel’s state-of-the-art Leisure Suite.
Initially built in 1788 as part of the world renowned cotton mill village, which was at
one time Britain’s largest cotton manufacturing centre, Mill Number 2 fell into
disrepair when production at the mill stopped in 1968. Following a period of
dereliction the village was entrusted to the care of New Lanark Trust, which has
restored the mills and village buildings re-establishing the village and creating an
award-winning visitor attraction. In December 2001, New Lanark was inscribed on
UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Graeme Maciver, Development Officer, New Lanark Trust,
Tel: 01555 661345 / trust@newlanark.org / www.newlanark.org