New interpretation panels installed to complete closes project

New interpretation panels shine a light on Lanark’s closes and wynds, telling the story of the narrow passageways linking the town’s High Street to the Vennels.

The new panels are the final part of a two year project led by Discover Lanark to improve the condition, lighting and heritage interpretation of the twelve public closes that are such a feature of the town centre.

In 2021, twelve panels were installed, telling the individual story of each close. The new panels, all identical, complete the picture highlighting their wider importance for the layout of the town and their significance not just as thoroughfares but as home to many people and trades.

Discover Lanark was delighted to work with local writer Elma Barr to include a specially written poem. In it, she evokes the sounds and smells of the past, from the aroma of baking in the morning to the shouted goodbyes of drinkers returning home from the pub at the end of the day.

Local artist Kirsten Harris has created a light-hearted map of the Royal Burgh of Lanark, full of illustrations drawn from the town’s history, traditions and customs.

Ian Leitch, a Director with Discover Lanark, highlighted the historic role of the closes: “The closes are a series of largely covered thoroughfares of some significance. They traditionally linked the High Street to the many premises which lay behind, primarily light industry and traditional trades. In the past, they would have been bustling passageways from dusk till dawn, also providing access to the homes above and a number of inns and public houses.”

He added, “This set of interpretation panels is part of Discover Lanark’s continuing commitment to making the closes not only safer but also more interesting to walk through.”

Discover Lanark is very grateful for the funding it has received from The Levenseat Trust which has made these new panels possible.