New Lanark marks three awards in a winning week

Clearburn in New Lanark, with its quirky treehouse and climbing equipment (pic by South Lanarkshire Council)

New Lanark World Heritage Site has once again been included in the ‘Top 20 Visitor Attractions in Scotland’ list by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions 2015.

Findings from ASVA’s report confirms that over 27 million visits were made to the top 20 sites in Scotland in 2015, a rise of 3.4 per cent over 2014 figures.

The increase comes on top of a 6 per cent rise in 2014, suggesting that visitor attractions all across Scotland are currently enjoying a period of sustained growth.

And in the prestigious Hudsons Heritage Awards, which took place at Goldsmiths Hall in London on March 1, Clearburn Picnic and Play Area at New Lanark was the winner of the ‘Best Picnic Spot within a Heritage Location in the UK’ category.

It beat Lowther Castle and Gardens, in Cumbria, and Durham Cathedral Woodlands in the only public-nominated category in the awards.

Clearburn was re-opened in September 2014 with a new picnic area, adventure play areas, a giant willow storytelling dome and secret tree house.

The project was generously supported by The Big Lottery Fund and The Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership.

Local children played a key role with their ideas and drawings being incorporated into the final design. All of the children involved with the project have had their names carved into a bench so their contributions will be recognised for years to come.

The winning run continued at The Ice Cream Alliance Awards 2016 in Harrogate where New Lanark Ice Cream picked up a Bronze Medal in the ‘Open Flavour’ category for Simply Vanilla, and received Diplomas of Merit for the Mascarpone & Strawberry and a Diploma for Puff Candy.

New Lanark’s Simply Vanilla had previously been awarded the top accolade of ‘Overall Champion Ice Cream’ at the Royal Highland Show 2015.

Lorna Davidson, Director of New Lanark Trust, said “We’re delighted to see our diverse range of activities being recognised on a national platform.

“It’s a huge honour to receive our first Hudsons Heritage Award for Clearburn which is a fantastic resource for the local community and visitors alike.

“We’re also very proud that our new enterprise New Lanark Ice Cream is continuing to receive high profile industry awards recognising the hard work that goes into making the artisan product.”