NATIONAL MUSEUM OF COSTUME: Scottish Gov. to look at options
Written by author on February 4, 2013
A feasibility study into future options for the use of Shambellie House near Dumfries is to be funded by the Scottish Government.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop is providing up to #20,000 for National Museums Scotland (NMS) and Dumfries and Galloway Council to take forward a feasibility study of the options for the future of Shambellie House, the current location of the National Museum of Costume.
She said:
“Following NMS’s announcement earlier today that the National Museum of Costume is to close, I am keen that NMS helps to find a solution for the future of the site, working in conjunction with the Council. I expect them to take forward this feasibility study quickly.
“I understand that NMS is already committed to continuing to deliver a service in Dumfries and Galloway, by enhancing its programme of loans to local museums, establishing partnerships around specific projects and further developing outreach activity with schools and other groups.
“However, I think it is essential that all possible avenues are explored to maximise the potential of Shambellie House and its contribution to the life of the local community.
“Despite the tough financial climate with deep cuts in public spending imposed by Westminster, we are providing more funding overall to NMS in 2013-14 than in the previous financial year. The money I have announced today for the feasibility study is in addition to that funding.”
Background
NMS’s core revenue funding was protected in 2012-13 and will receive a reduction of just £210,000 (0.5%) in 2013-14. Capital support for maintenance and repairs is increasing by £1.5 million (from £5.15m to £6.65m) over the same period.
The Culture Secretary met local MSPs on 7 November, 2012, and the Chair and the Director of National Museums Scotland on November 14, 2012.
The Scottish Government is committed to investing in the South of Scotland. Almost £100,000 was provided towards the Dark Sky Observatory in Dalmellington which the First Minister opened in October 2012. Through Scotland’s Winter Festivals funding the Scottish Government has supported the Big Burns Supper and Dumfries Fling. Creative Scotland, Historic Scotland and EventScotland all continue to support development in the region with Creative Scotland providing £2.2m since 2010 to projects, organisations and individuals in Dumfries and Galloway. Fiona Hyslop was instrumental in the saving of Crichton Campus and was Education Secretary when £27m funding was allocated to the new Dumfries and Galloway College and Libraryop
