History gets a fresh coat of paint

Summerlee Exhibition has officially opened - marked with an event hosted by Principal Professor Christopher Moore – celebrating 160 years of Coatbridge.

The art was produced by Carrie ‘Toots’ Thompson, who was commissioned by the College for project explained the art was “representative of each era of Coatbridge".

The exhibition captures the town’s transformation from its industrial roots to the community it is today, through a series of paintings and texts, collated by New College Lanarkshire's (NCL) very own staff Calum Crosbie, Sharon McCabe, and Stuart Campbell, alongside Levi White.

Professor Moore, said: “[Carrie’s] brought the story to life in a modern, engaging, professional, uplifting, and often emotional way.

“This is not the work of a student. This is the work of an expert - someone unbelievably talented. You’ve created something really special, something you’ll always have, something we’ll always look back on.”

Visitors to the museum will be taken on a journey through the Industrial Revolution, the development of Coatbridge College and its evolution into New College Lanarkshire.

A key feature of the exhibition is its focus on Dr David Ross, an important figure whose leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the legacy of Coatbridge College. His influence spans generations, and the exhibition reflects on the lasting impact he made on local education and the wider community.