The iconic cupola of Bo'ness Town Hall has been fully restored in a £150,000 project commissioned by Falkirk Council, with works completed in June 2025.

The restoration addressed extensive water damage and timber decay, reinstating the decorative structure's original appearance and ensuring its long-term stability.

The funding for the project came directly from this year's Council Tax increase, which is supporting a broader £15 million investment package across the Falkirk Council area. This package also includes £3.8m for roads, £1.5m for local school improvements, and £815k for flood prevention.

Bo'ness Town Hall, a B-listed building, was originally constructed between 1901 and 1904, designed by Edinburgh architect George Washington Browne. The cupola has been a recognisable feature of the building since its inception. Recent inspections revealed loose, broken, or rotten external timber, particularly around its base and balustrade, necessitating repairs to prevent further deterioration.

-- Advertisement --

Specialist joiners carefully removed the cladding, assessed the original timbers, and reused as much material as possible. Sections beyond repair were replaced with Douglas fir, closely matching the original wood and replicated to the existing design. New leadwork was fitted, and a new cowl for the bell tower was added, reflecting the original design. The structure was repainted with a colour matched to its existing finish, alongside additional repairs to slates, gutters, and downpipes.

Councillor Paul Garner, Deputy Leader of Falkirk Council, expressed his delight: "I'm delighted to see the cupola restored to its previous glory. It is a familiar sight in Bo'ness and part of what makes the town hall such a distinctive building. Thanks to this project it can remain a feature of the town's skyline for years to come." He also thanked officers for completing the restoration in time for this year's Bo'ness Fair. Councillor Garner noted that further investment for the wider Town Hall, along with Grangemouth Town Hall and Dobbie Hall, would be considered when the Council settles its budget for 2026/27 in February next year.