£8k energy efficiency grant for Tain museum eases closure fears

Funding from Scotland's development body for museums may have saved a centre in Easter Ross from the possibility of closure, its manager has said.

In April, Tain & District Museum received a sum of £8626 from Museum Galleries Scotland (MGS) – the national development body for Scotland's museum sector – to allow them to make "much needed" improvements to their visitor centre.

A total of 20 museums across Scotland were awarded a share of a £573,985 funding pot as part of the second round of the resilience fund, which supports new approaches to energy efficiency and income generation in the sector.

Manager of Tain Museum, Jason Ubych, believes that it is a critical time for museums and heritage centres in terms of reducing costs and sourcing funding.

He said: "Like a lot of small businesses and charities, Tain and District Museum has really struggled financially during the uncertainty of the last few years. The support we have had over this time from Museum Galleries Scotland has been brilliant and I am certain that without it our museum would have had to close."

"The award of this resilience grant will seriously improve the working environment, for me and all the volunteers, and will really help us make some vital savings when they are really needed. Thanks to MGS for their continued support."

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: "Museums are working to build a more resilient future through using new energy saving technologies and diversifying income streams. Investment in long-term improvements for museums helps to strengthen and continue their role in communities across Scotland as spaces to have fun in, reflect, and share stories."

Scotland's minister for culture, europe and international development of Scotland, Christina McKelvie said: “Energy efficiency is important not only to reduce costs but to cut carbon output as part of tackling climate change.

“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government’s provision of extra funds for Museums Galleries Scotland’s Resilience Fund is supporting organisations right across Scotland to put in place innovative solutions to these challenges.”

Tain & District Museum opened for the 2023 season on April 4.

Elsewhere in the Highland region, Timespan in Helmsdale received £44,450 to replace an outdated biomass boiler with a new model to heat their building, which will be highly efficient and have a low impact on the environment.

Dunbeath Heritage Museum also received £5529 to upgrade lighting to LED, while Nairn Museum received £25,218 to improve their heating system.

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