Doors close permanently on Fife town's heritage centre
It has been the focal point for the town’s history for the past 12 years, but the doors had been closed for much of 2020 due to the COVID crisis.
Now the trust which runs it has said they will remain shut.
The centre was some 25 years in the making.
It was first mooted during the days of Glenrothes Development Corporation in the 1980s, but only became a reality when Linda Ballingall acted on an approach from the late Mike Delaney, former chief reporter of the Glenrothes Gazette to spearhead a campaign for a heritage centre for the town.
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Hide AdWhen its first exhibition attracted 11,500 visitors in its first month, Linda knew it was going to be a winner.
As well as Glenrothes, the centre covered the heritage and culture of Markinch, Kinglassie, Coaltown of Balgonie, Milton of Balgonie, Leslie and Thornton.
Ten years ago the charity opened a permanent location in Kingdom Shopping Centre and boasted three-star VisitScotland accreditation.
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Hide AdMajor exhibitions included the Titanic 100yrs, and more recently Glenrothes’ 70th birthday party at the Scottish Parliament.
It was forced to close to the public at the start of lockdown. With no funds being raised, there were still overheads to be met so the decision has been made to close permanently.
Linda said: “G&AHC is a financially successful charity with great potential to be developed even further.
“However, due to Covid-19 we have been closed to the public for most of 2020, and as all our trustees and volunteers fall within the at risk age group, we do not foresee opening anytime soon, therefore no funds being raised,
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Hide Ad“Ironically, 2020 marks our 10th year within fixed premises.
“After a lot of soul-searching, our decision is to close the doors of the heritage hub permanently. She added: “My personal thanks to our wonderful volunteers, past and present; to vice-chairman David Brown for his commitment and contribution; to our major sponsors, the Kingdom Shopping Centre and Clan Leslie Charitable Trust; to the Friends of G&AHC committee and membership for their unstinting support and to the thousands of visitors who made it all worthwhile.”