The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Heartfelt final plea by heritage centre
An SOS call has been issued in a last-ditch attempt to save a closurethreatened heritage centre in Fife.
Glenrothes Heritage Centre volunteers have made a final bid to attract new blood and stop its vast collection of historical artefacts, photographs and other items from being broken up.
The Courier revealed in September the three-star Visit Scotland tourist attraction was to close for good due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and a failure to attract new trustees.
Hundreds voiced disappointment their and offered support for the centre, which opened its permanent venue in the town’s Kingdom Shopping Centre in 2012.
Among the vast archive of artefacts is a collection from the estate of the Earl of Rothes.
It includes the number eight plaque from the lifeboat rowed by the Countess of Rothes at the sinking of the Titanic.
The centre also holds a large collection relating to Glenrothes Development Corporation, as well as the recently acquired archives of celebrated former town artist Malcolm Robertson.
The organisation gained national prominence in 2012 for its Titanic centenary exhibition, which attracted media attention and visitors from around the world, including Hollywood actress Rochelle Rose, who played the Countess of Rothes in the multi-oscar winning film.
Linda Ballingall, chairman of the board of trustees, has made a heartfelt last appeal for volunteers to come forward and secure the organisation’s future.
She said: “In 2020, during the pandemic, we decided it was time to hand over to the next generation.
“However a new team could not been found which resulted in the decision being made to wind-up the hub completely. The public reaction to this was quite overwhelming.
“Sadly, although very gratifying to see such a response, it did not spur anyone to offer their services as a trustee.
“It should be noted that running the centre is a fulltime business commitment, (it is) open to the public five days of the week.”
Linda said talks are continuing with several organisations including Fife Cultural Trust, Fife Council Archive and St Andrews University.
Those wanting to get involved can do so by emailing Linda at linda. glenrothesheritage@ gemail .com