Increasing Historic Heritage Resilience

The historic built environment of the Inner Forth has been shaped by the rich resources of the area, which is linked to the natural heritage present: from extensive coal and limestone deposits, fertile agricultural landscapes and, of course, the Forth itself, taking products of industry and agriculture around Scotland, the UK and beyond. The connection between centuries of fossil fuel exploitation and the focus of this project on threats from climate change is clear, but there is enormous potential for the heritage of this area to demonstrate how a fossil fuel legacy can inform a climate resilient future. 

Cochrane Hall, Alva: As a well-used community hub, this listed building offers exceptional potential as a pilot-project for shaping a route-map to net carbon zero that could be replicated at similar critical community facilities across the council area. 

The Climate FORTH project has been working with Alva Development Trust at Cochrane Hall to increase the climate resilience of the C-listed building.  

 

The hall is a locally important community hub, as well as being recognised for its unique architectural features. Opened in 1929, it was funded by the Cochrane Brothers, who were born in Alva, but subsequently moved to Philadelphia in the United States, where they became successful businessmen.  

 

Whilst Clackmannanshire Council own the listed building, it has been leased by Alva Development Trust since 2018, to advance community development and provide recreational facilities.

 

In recent times, however, the aging windows caused the building to lose heat and feel draughty – especially in winter. In November 2024, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to Lottery players, Climate FORTH and Alva Development Trust enlisted the help of Scottish Window Solutions to upgrade the old windows to new Crittall style windows. The windows complement the look of the hall and will improve the energy performance of the building, too.  

 

The works were completed in time for winter 2024. 

Valleyfield is a remarkable lost garden, gradually decaying as a consequence of a lack of investment and prioritisation. The site has the potential to become a vibrant destination for the community and visitors from further afield, if work is undertaken to uncover and unlock the heritage of the landscape. Through this activity, we are delivering a conservation and intervention-related project, with a creative arts element that will secure another section of the wider Woodland Park asset for the benefit of the local community. This artistic activity will share and promote the park's rich history - and links to famous local figures!  

This activity – together with Climate FORTH activity Increasing Natural Heritage Resilience – will demonstrate innovative ways heritage can be made more resilient, to become a valuable resource in climate adaptation and mitigation, and provide a focal point for environmental, social and economic resilience for local communities.