Museum boss cautiously optimistic for the future as imminent threat of closure has lifted

The chief executive of the Gordon Highlanders Museum has expressed cautious optimism about the long-term future of the Aberdeen facility.

Bryan Snelling revealed yesterday that a three-year campaign, designed to raise £300,000, has already amassed £145,000, including a donation of £10,000 from the Press and Journal, just seven months after being launched.

The museum, which originally opened in 1997, suffered financial problems as a consequence of the oil and gas downturn in the north east.

However, Mr Snelling said he had been heartened by the response to the appeal and confirmed there was no longer any imminent threat of the museum closing.

But he added it was important to continue work on developing new initiatives and forge greater links with other groups, including Aberdeen City Council.

He said: “We are more optimistic than we were a year ago and the oil downturn seems to have turned a corner, but we still need to keep working hard and we will do that.

“Our aim is to be self-sustainable by 2020 and it is uplifting there has been so much passion and enthusiasm for the museum and the work it’s doing.

“We have also been encouraged by the cross-party support we have received from politicians throughout the region in recent months.

“And the council has moved forward with plans for providing funding of £20,000 a year for three years.

“The museum brings in £1.4million every year for the local economy, so we think that we provide excellent value for money.”

Mr Snelling spoke of his determination to attract more families to the centre in the years ahead.