Back in 2004 we published an article (here) – The sound of a Scottish bell in Mologno?
So just what have a derelict church in Clyde Bank, Glasgow, Scotland and the new construction taking place down by the railway station at Mologno got in common?
The answer is the continuing story of exchanges between Scotland and Barga and the work of one Scotsman; Billy Connell from Glasgow. He has spent many happy summers in Barga and wanted to show his appreciation for all the time spent here.
The perfect opportunity arose when the noticed the new bell tower at Mologno being erected … Billy owns a derelict church; Hamilton Memorial Church in ClydeBank and he thought is would be the perfect gesture to donate the 120 year old bell inside the steeple to Barga “The most Scottish town in Italy”
Plans are now in action to transport the bell from Scotland to Barga sometime this winter in good time for the inaugaration of the new Mologno Bell tower in the spring.
2005 – Latest update on the bell:
The bell has been removed from the steeple in the Hamilton Memorial Church in ClydeBank, Scotland and is now ready to be transported by lorry to its final resting place in Mologno
More than a decade later, the story finally has an ending …. the money needed to pay for the transport of the bell from Scotland to Barga was never found.
The bell lanquished in Billy’s workshop for many years until finally it was sold on eBay for £5000.
The story is over.