£98k for Argylls museum at castle Boost for military trust
Key funding for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Museum within Stirling Castle has been welcomed by Stirling’s MP and MSP.
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlander Regimental Trust has been awarded almost £100,000 to support the museum’s operating costs as a planned reopening has been delayed due to halted refurbishment works.
The £98,600 grant stems from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, part of efforts from Museums Galleries Scotland to protect Scotland’s outstanding cultural heritage during the pandemic.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford and Stirling MP Alyn Smith said this week the move demonstrates the value placed on historical and cultural organisations by Scottish civic society.
Mr Crawford said: “Museums and other cultural venues have faced tough times indeed, with visitor numbers and funding streams impacted by Covid-19. This grant funding from Museums Galleries Scotland will go a long way in securing the future of this brilliant institution.
“Stirling has a long and proud military history, and the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders’ Museum do tremendous work in celebrating our past, and keeping the stories alive.”
“Stirling Castle remains a treasured asset in Stirling’s cultural heritage,” added Mr Smith, “and that’s in no small part down to the contribution made by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Museum in bringing our history to life.
“Tourism is a valuable part of the Stirling economy, and attractions such as the museum contribute significantly to our cultural fabric.”
The redevelopment of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum at Stirling Castle attracted almost £1million of National Lottery funding in 2018 towards the £4million cost of the upgrade.
The award was the most significant boost to date for the Thin Red Line Appeal which was set up to raise money for the improvement. Patron of the appeal is Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.
Work on the museum is aimed at improving the museum’s ability to interpret and commemorate for modern visitors the history of the regiments synonymous with the Stirling area.
The revamped museum is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors per year under normal opening conditions.