Lottery windfall for visitor centre £250k is more good news for Bannockburn attraction
Bannockburn’s famous visitor centre has received another boost after securing Lottery funding to help them improve the attraction.
The centre’s future was under threat earlier this year when owners National Trust for Scotland threatened to keep the site closed until 2022 as it wrestled with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, an injection of financial support from the Scottish Government allowed NTS to change their mind, with the re-opening date set for the end of the month.
The latest positive news will see £250,000 of backing from the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund injected into the Battle of Bannockburn site, with new elements now set to be added ahead of the public’s arrival on September 30
It will also be invested into enhancing the experience for visitors to the historic battle grounds, including adding information panels and an audio experience to the rotunda.
NTS chief executive Philip Long said: “Thanks to the National Lottery and its players we can now make a range of improvements to the experience at Bannockburn so that visits are safe, more enjoyable and engaging.
“We’re grateful that the National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting us at this crucial time – it’s a lifeline to us and others who are passionate about protecting our heritage and enabling it to be experienced and enjoyed by everyone.”
The Heritage Fund saw £50million made available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector and also aimed to address both immediate emergency actions and help organisations to start thinking about recovery.
Scotland director at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Caroline Clark, said: “As the enormous impact of the coronavirus pandemic became apparent we had to act quickly to support Scotland’s heritage sector.
“We have worked hard to get funding out to over 100 diverse organisations, including the Battle of Bannockburn Experience. It will allow the experience to welcome visitors again safely, safeguarding jobs and boosting the local economy.
“We cannot save everyone and we know challenges still lie ahead, but we are grateful that, thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to help so many.”