Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has used a debate in the Scottish Parliament to highlight the importance of the area's historic environment, and call for more action and support for the area’s heritage.

The debate on Scotland’s Historic Environment was held to mark the first Summit for the Built and Historic Environment which had been held at the Bute Hall in Glasgow on Tuesday 3 November 2009.  In her speech, Aileen Campbell paid tribute to the work of those who support the New Lanark World Heritage Site, and raised the need for development of Carluke’s High Mill and the remains of the Wilsontown Ironworks.

Speaking during the debate, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

“The buildings of New Lanark are there not simply to be looked at; they are there to be lived in, worked in, visited and explored. Inside the public spaces it is possible to learn about the ideals of Robert Owen and the co-operative movement, the emphasis on education for the young and the fair treatment of workers. Those ideas are as much a part of the heritage that New Lanark helps to protect and preserve as the buildings or factory workings…

“Buildings and places are an important link with the past. For example, in Carluke stands the best-preserved historic windmill in Scotland. It is perhaps no coincidence that from the site of the Carluke high mill visitors can see modern windmills harnessing the power of the natural environment to provide clean, green energy for our homes and businesses. The high mill, sadly, remains at risk, and I commend the work of South Lanarkshire Council and a range of local interest groups to secure a future for the building. There must be the potential to link the wonderful old mill with the modern wind power that is generating electricity and jobs in the area…

“I recently visited the remains of the Wilsontown ironworks near Forth in South Lanarkshire. The site is a link with the area's past, and children from the local primary school have been helping with preservation work. At that site and at the Carluke high mill there are problems to do with private ownership. Landlords' lack of sympathy for the cultural significance of what they own can be a barrier to people who want to preserve the built heritage…How such interests can be reconciled is worthy of further investigation, so that buildings do not fall into such disrepair that there is little point in saving them and they are lost for ever.”

Speaking later outside the Parliament Chamber, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

"The South of Scotland's historic environment is a hugely important part of what makes the area so special, and I was delighted to have this opportunity to raise some local issues during the debate.

“New Lanark, the High Mill and the Ironworks all have so much potential to attract visitors and provide a tangible link with our past. 

“The Historic Environment Summit organised by the Scottish Government looked at a number of ways to support the preservation of our local heritage, and I’ll continue working with all interested parties to develop this for the benefit of current and future generations.”