Built in 1924 the Institute was near Banknock Station. It included a hall, billiard room, games room, a reading-room, and baths.
In the summer of 1926 a soup kitchen was set up in the building for the families of striking miners. Declining revenue due to the closure of local pits led to the decision of the Banknock and Dennyloanhead Welfare Society, along with the Central Welfare Committee, in April 1930, to close the Banknock Institute. The Education Authority was offered the chance to buy the building and declined. Consequently, the following advert appeared in the local newspaper:
“PROPERTIES FOR SALE. FOR SALE, BANKNOCK MINERS’ WELFARE INSTITITE: Apartments, Hall; Billiard, Games, and Reading Rooms; also Baths. Offers to Branch Secretary on or before 6th August. 1930. H. DOCHERTY, Secy.”
(Falkirk Herald 9 July 1930, 2).
The hall was sold and altered in 1931 (Falkirk Archives a867/yellow/1931/26).
Falkirk Local History Society 