Bo’Ness Motor Museum - now with added monsters

THE Bo’ness Motor Museum was opened in April 2004 by former Bond girl Caroline Munro and Shane Rimmer (probably best known as the voice of Scott Tracy in Thunderbirds) and from its inception these twin themes have been a strong focus for the curators.

Although it calls itself a motor museum and does indeed include around 25 cars in its collection, when we visited both my husband and I thought it felt more like a homage to the stars and cars of the silver screen. With a great collection of memorabilia both original and reproduction, you were never quite sure what you’d find around the next corner.

The owner of the museum is a Bond enthusiast and this is apparent the minute you enter. There’s the Miss Moneypenny Diner, the Double 0 Bar and the first section of the museum is entirely given over to the silver-tongued spy, who celebrated 50 years of screen success last year.

Stage props, signed photos and movie posters adorn the walls around cars such as the Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me which is also signed by actor Richard Kiel who played Jaws.

The next section includes a selection of movie and classic cars chosen simply for their looks or their history. Meghan was particularly taken by a Mini Cooper with a very girlie paint job, although she ran a mile from the giant spider perched on a Harry Potter Ford Anglia.

Sam on the other hand, who just loves anything with wheels, was incredibly frustrated that he couldn’t sit inside any of the vehicles, especially when he came across some antique, child-sized ones. He was quickly appeased however, when venturing upstairs we found life-size models of Sulley and Mike from Monsters Inc and the Happy Feet penguin. After taking advantage of the photo opportunities we decided it was time for them both to let off some steam and we set them loose in the Monsters Fun Factory, or soft play to you and me.

We got our timing just right as on a Saturday morning this place filled up quickly with local parents who obviously use it regularly. One could see why. It’s rare to find a soft play that has windows. It was actually a very pleasant spot to sit and enjoy our coffee while Meghan and Sam caused all manner of chaos.

After an hour (which is included in the museum admission price) we decided to refuel before heading back to Edinburgh. The menu in Miss Moneypenny’s Diner listed the usual fast food suspects, but it was hot and competitively priced, so no complaints.

Indeed the day out was a big hit all round. The museum was easy to find and quick to get to from Edinburgh. The exhibition was informative without being boring, the soft play was a bonus and if Sam’s wheel fetish continues, we will have to return.

• Bo’ness Motor Museum, Bridgeness Road, Bo’ness, tel: [phone], www.motor-museum.bo-ness.org.uk; adults £5.95, children and concessions £4.50, family ticket (two adults plus two children), £18.