Gladstone Court is recreated in new Biggar museum

Unpacking...Biggar Museum Trust volunteers Mike Hunter and Ann Matheson at one of the shops from Gladstone Court recreated in the new museum (Pit by Sarah Peters)

Gladstone Court is now closed, but its collection of shops, offices and alleyways is taking shape in the new museum being built and fitted out on the former garage site in Biggar High Street.

“Effort has been made to keep it as close to the old Gladstone Court as possible,” said Biggar Museums Trust volunteer Ann Matheson.

“Closes have been preserved so that visitors can wander round the shops and explore nooks and crannies.”

And there are surprises when the new museum opens later this month - keep your ears and eyes peeled!

Gladstone Court started as a private collection in 1964, and opened to the public in 1968, attracting thousands of visitors over the decades, particularly children charmed with the Victorian streets and the little shops, all assembled with original counters, signage and shop fittings salvaged from original premises.

The clusters of attractions included a telephone exchange, printers, chemist, and bootshop.

The new alleys include a toyshop, and the bank has become a tiny cinema where visitors can watch Clydesdale videos.

There are also street games, and there will be a dressing up box for children.

The new £2.2million museum of Biggar and Upper Clydesdale has been created with funds raised by local volunteers.

See this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette for more photos.