Minister for Culture increases funding for Scottish Maritime and Mining Museums

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Minister for Culture, Fiona Hyslop MSP, today committed an additional £220,000 funding for the Scottish Maritime Museum and Scottish Mining Museum, on top of funding already being delivered through Museums Galleries Scotland.
The Scottish Mining Museum will receive an additional £120,000 and £100,000 is being made available to the Scottish Maritime Museum.
The Minister was opening the new PS Lochlomond Gallery at the Scottish Maritime Museum, when the announcement was made. The gallery development has been funded by Museums Galleries Scotland with Scottish Government Recognised Collection money.
Fiona Hyslop said:
“The opening of this fantastic facility, the PS Lochlomond Gallery, demonstrates exactly the importance of investing in our culture and heritage.
“Scotland’s industrial collections represent a way of life and hold a particular place in the heart of the people of Scotland. As a nation, these traditions and stories must be kept safe for future generations.
“The Scottish Maritime and Mining Museums are Recognised Collections of National Significance, so it is right that we support these places to tell the important story of Scotland’s industrial heritage.
“This extra funding ensures both collections will continue to welcome the people of Scotland and visitors from around the world this year. As part of its work in developing a national policy for the museums sector, the Museums Think Tank is considering how we can secure a sustainable future for Scotland’s industrial collections in the longer term.”
Sam Galbraith, Chairman of the Scottish Maritime Museum Trust, said:
“We are very grateful for the support from Museums Galleries Scotland and the Scottish Government. Without this support we would be facing a very difficult time in 2010. With the opening of the Lochlomond Gallery today, we are tremendously proud of all our achievements despite hard times. Our staff are so committed to their work here, and this is recognised with this funding support.”
Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said:
“Scotland’s museums and galleries have really challenging hurdles of sustainability facing them. In a tough economic climate and a competitive environment, museums and galleries across the country need to keep careful focus on their future. We are working with the sector to address these issues, encouraging innovative working practices and greater collaboration.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS
• Museums Galleries Scotland represents over 350 museums and galleries across Scotland. The sector welcomes more than 25 million visitors and generates more than £800 million to the economy.
• The Scottish Maritime Museum is an independent museum run by the Scottish Maritime Museum Trust (chaired by Sam Galbraith). The trust runs three attractions – those in Irvine, the Denny Ship Model Test Tank and Clydebuilt at Braehead.
• The Scottish Maritime Museum and the Scottish Mining Museum are 2 of the 36 Recognised Collections of National Significance. This scheme of Collections is managed by Museums Galleries Scotland.
• More information on the Museums Think Tank at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/ArtsCultureSport/arts/CulturalPolicy/museums-policy

Communications Manager – PR & Events

Published
14th Jun 2010

Region
Ayrshire
Edinburgh and Lothians
Greater Glasgow
National

Publisher
MGS