Supporters rally to help ensure museum’s future

● Donations ensure aircraft attraction can survive virus lockdown

An aviation heritage centre has raised more than £7,400 to ensure it survives during lockdown.

Kinloss-based Morayvia set up a crowdfunding page after the group was denied access to much-needed government funding schemes because it did not fit within the rates requirements.

This meant the charity faced fears over missing out on £25,000 worth of funding.

However, the generous community helped the organisation smash its fundraising target of £5,000 in just three days to secure the centre’s future.

Morayvia director Bob Pountney was “astounded” by the massive public support for its fundraising page.

The cash will be used to cover running costs while the tourist attraction remains closed during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Mr Pountney said: “The fundraiser has gone better than I thought it would.

“These are difficult times for many people with a lack of income around but many have put their hands in their pockets and donated to support us.

“This means we can sit through this year if necessary with sufficient funds to pay outstanding bills and monthly direct debits, which is great news. Most aircraft museums have a large footprint and area of ground which sets our rateable value quite high so we didn’t qualify for any grants, which was concerning.

“However we managed to prove ourselves and thanks to everyone who has supported us, it is greatly appreciated.”

The museum has created a tour video to showcase and educate people about some of its exhibits, such as a De Havilland Vampire, in a push to remind people about the attraction.

It is hoped this will help draw visitors back to the centre once bosses are given the green light to reopen again to the public.

Mr Pountney added: “It is really important to make people aware of what exhibitions we have on offer during these times.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the centre once it is safe.

“At the end of the day when it comes to reopening, the safety of our volunteers and visitors is certainly our priority.”

Anyone who donates to the fundraising page will have their name placed on a plaque to be displayed at Morayvia near its Vulcan Bomber in recognition of the support given during the coronavirus pandemic.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/robertpountney-1

DELIGHTED: Morayvia director Bob Pountney, pictured with the museum’s Wessex helicopter, was amazed by the public response to the appeal for donations