Station museum boost
Glenfinnan Station Museum Trust has announced a funding boost of £9,491 from Museums Galleries Scotland.
The cash is from the Museums Capital Resilience Fund, which distributes Covid response funds allocated by the Scottish Government.
Since the onset of the pandemic, a community-run visitor car park has been introduced in Glenfinnan, with a footpath to the world-famous concrete viaduct.
This has alleviated some of Glenfinnan’s visitor-related problems and has helped visitors move around the village more easily.
The funds will allow the museum to update its signs accordingly.
The climate emergency has also progressed at pace over the last two years and the grant award will enable the museum to upgrade its electricity supply to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.
Museum curator Hege Hernaes told the Lochaber Times this week: ‘We are over the moon about this award. Our ability to operate was severely affected by the pandemic. Our museum dining car tearoom opened its doors for the first time in two years
on April 1, with new operators at the helm. Our environment has changed significantly since March 2020 and the grant money will allow us to adjust appropriately to a post-pandemic reality and will make sure the area’s railway heritage continues to be looked after and cared for in the midst of our community.’
Lucy Casot, chief executive officer of Museums Galleries
Scotland, added: ‘We’re delighted to support Glenfinnan Station Museum Trust through the Museums Capital Resilience Fund to improve the experience for their communities and to welcome back visitors. After the challenges of the pandemic, it is vital we support the resilience of museums and galleries so they can be sustainable spaces for communities.’