The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
New heritage centre opens in town hall
The Cullen Heritage Centre has officially opened after the building was rescued from closure three years ago.
The new attraction is seen as a great example of a new use for an old town hall.
The space in the Memorial Hall on the ground floor is dedicated to showcasing the rich history from along the Moray Coast.
Fears were raised that Cullen Town Hall could be lost to the community forever after the council announced its closure in 2019.
However, the B-listed building, parts of which date from the 1820s, was saved from being boarded up after it was bought by Milne Property Developments.
Before the pandemic struck, plans lodged by Cullen, Deskford and Portknockie Heritage Group for the heritage space on the ground floor were approved.
The heritage centre has been opened since May, with around 2,000 visitors so far.
The project cost between £50,000 and £60,000.
Beatrice Partnership Fund, Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation and the heritage group’s own fundraising covered the costs.
Jim Mackay, vicepresident of the Cullen, Deskford and Portknockie Heritage Group, said: “It is in the perfect location in the Square.
“It is great to see positivity around the town hall as there was so much negativity over the thought of it potentially being closed.
“It is so important to showcase the lifestyle of previous generations like the fishermen and farmers.”
Banffshire Lord Lieutenant Andy Simpson said it was “important to remember and showcase heritage”.
Cullen Town Hall was built as part of significant early 19th Century improvements to the burgh, instigated by the Earl of Seafield, and became a “significant streetscape presence” in the new town of Cullen.