Birnam Institute

We were impressed with our conference venue.

Built and opened in 1883. John Kinnaird, the village station master, established the centre as a community facility. It offered a library, reading room, hall, refreshment and games room and accommodation for the caretaker. Later, public baths were added.

It has the feel of somewhere that is well-used by the local community. In between conference sessions we chatted to the women in the gift shop, volunteers who work for a couple of hours a shift. The cafe, offering excellent coffee and snacks, was doing a healthy trade. We brushed shoulders with mum's and dad's waiting for children attending dance classes and were impressed by posters advertising future drama and music events.

A busy place with an interesting history.