Two heritage groups are looking to breathe new life into Banff museum.

The Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association and the Banffshire Preservation and Heritage Society have prepared a report entitled, 'A New Beginning', to aid Aberdeenshire council with proposals for possible improvements to the museum.

Committee members from both groups are set to meet with a representative of Aberdeenshire Heritage in Mintlaw, later this month to discuss their plans.

The report states that £790,000 would cover the costs of the improvements that are being proposed.

One of the major aspects of the improvements is that there is possibility that Banff Library will be re-located to the proposed Better Life Centre or at another location in Banff, which will give more room to the museum, as it shares the building on High Street with the library.

Stanley Bruce, chairman of the Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association, said: "The Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association feel it is vitally important that Banff Museum tells the 'Story of Banff'. This could be on a timeline or by other means, but however it is displayed, Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association feel that if the museum was set up in this way it would be much improved."

The groups have recommended that the timeline would be a good idea and have outlined key moments in the history of the town that could be displayed on it from the town's humble beginnings right up to present day.

As well as this the members of the groups have put forward key themes that could be used in new displays or to improve the old ones, these include fishing, World War Two and churches.

The report also details improvements to the actual building showing the plans of how the museum is laid out today and how it would look with the proposed changes.

Charles Burnett, Chairman of the Banff Preservation and Heritage Society said: "The displays in the museum are poor, not instructive on the history of Banff, and are unavailable to the disabled.

"Committee members of this Society have therefore willingly given time to consider how the Museum could be improved for the benefit of all living in Banff, and for the many tourists who come to see the charm of Banff."

As well as artefacts to display the proposals outline the use of DVD and audio to add a new dimension to the museum and also to get community groups involved.

Press and Journal

Local history buffs believe use by community bodies would give building a new lease of life.

Heritage groups come up with scheme to revive museum.

By John Thomson Published: 06/01/2010

New life could be breathed into a north-east town’s museum if it was transformed into a focal point for community groups, according to a new report.

Two heritage groups at Banff have outlined a case for “a new beginning” for the High Street museum operated by Aberdeenshire Council.

Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association and Banff Preservation and Heritage Society have been prompted to compile the case by fears that the museum might move.

It occupies the same building as Banff Library, which Aberdeenshire Council wants to relocate in a proposed Better Life Centre at Banff.

If that happens, it has been suggested that some of the museum artefacts might be housed at Banff’s Duff House art gallery.

The heritage groups want the museum to remain in the town centre and say it could take up the entire High Street building after the library moves.

Maritime group chairman Stan Bruce said: “Both groups are concerned about the possible relocation of Banff Museum and are of the opinion it should remain in its present location in the heart of Banff.

“Moving the library will mean an opportunity to enhance the museum by giving more space for displays and space for community involvement. Both groups feel the museum could be a focal point for a lot of community groups and by getting them involved, will bring life back to one of the oldest surviving museums in Scotland.”

Their plans to improve the museum include a major display to tell the story of Banff. This would include gathering all artefacts of the town in one place.

The groups also feel that the space in the museum should be allocated to regularly-changing exhibitions.

Preservation Society chairman Charles Burnett said the museum displays were poor and not instructive on the history of Banff. He said: “The society has willingly given time to consider how the museum could be improved.”

The joint report has been sent to Aberdeenshire Council and a meeting has been scheduled to discuss the museum with council officials on January 22.