PRESS RELEASE
Date: 10 August 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. of pages 1
Unravelling old spun yarns at the mills
Millworkers Reunited - New Lanark World Heritage Site
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2009, 11am – 5.00pm
New Lanark World Heritage Site is hosting a Millworkers Reunited event as part of this year’s
Homecoming Scotland 2009 programme. The event provides a chance for former millworkers,
villagers, and for anyone with an interest in the people and history of the unique village of New
Lanark to come and celebrate millworkers from the recent and distant pasts.
Now famous as a visitor attraction, the village remains a living community, with around 200
people living in restored millworkers’ homes. Carefully preserved records kept about past
residents and workers at the mills will be on view during the weekend, and there will also be a
new photographic exhibition of millworkers through the years.
Aynsley Gough, Education and Access Officer at New Lanark said:
‘The records offer a fascinating insight into the lives of families who have lived here over many
years. Some families still have several generations living in the village – dating back to times
when the cotton mills were still in operation.’
With a range of activities and exhibitions available this event is open to all. There will be guided
tours, family history stands, ancestral workshops, storytelling and old-fashioned games for
children. Representatives from Lanarkshire Family History Society will be on hand with access to
all kinds of historical records for the region, and will provide advice and assistance to anyone
trying to research their roots. An estimated 50 million people in the world claim to have direct
Scottish ancestry, and genealogy is generally considered to be the fastest growing pastime in the
western world.
Tickets available in advance by phone: 01555 661345, or from the New Lanark Gift Shop. Ticket
includes all the aforementioned activities, entry to New Lanark Visitor Centre and a Cream Tea
(juice and biscuits for children). Adult £7.50, Child £6.50, plus we’re offering a special price of
only £2.50 for former New Lanark millworkers. For more information visit www.newlanark.org
New Lanark’s Education and Access Officer, Aynsley Gough is also keen to hear from anyone
with stories about working at the New Lanark Mills and also old photographs or memorabilia.
Tel: 01555 661345 or email: trust@newlanark.org
ends
Contact: Graeme Maciver, Development Officer
Tel: 01555 661345
Email:graeme.maciver@newlanark.org