Popular Fife museum warns of possible closures due to coronavirus

Independent museums in Scotland, such as the Scottish Fisheries Museum in the East Neuk, have been appealing to the Scottish Government for financial support after lockdown, over fears that visitor numbers will not return to normal until next spring.

The Anstruther museum makes around £4500 per week between April and October, as visitors flood through the doors to learn about Scotland’s rich fishing heritage.

The museum is one of the most popular in Fife, with 23 members of staff – however, the majority of those are now furloughed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It has also impacted on the volunteers who help out at the museum and limited the work it does in the community, such as the restoration project on the boat, The Reaper.

Despite the setback, staff have been working hard to connect with people when they are unable to visit the museum.

The Sea Change exhibition is available online, while the website is packed with games and resources.

They are also working with the local schools.

“Every year we hold a school art competition, and this year children can take part at home with whatever art or craft materials they have available,” said Andrea Elder, events officer.

“Children from nursery to S3 are asked to explore the theme of sea change and what seas and oceans will be like in 2070 and beyond. So far we have received amazing entries, ranging from; drawings and paintings, collage work using recycled plastic and sea glass, model boat building and salt dough.

“It’s great to see children from all ages taking part in this project, as they show their awareness of issues facing the sea at such a young age.”

The museum has also been able to engage with the local community during lockdown.

“We continue to receive support through social media, with our online visitors engaging in our different features, such as liking and discussing our collections on Fifty Friday, sharing their home baking when we post Cake Thursday and making a museum at home with create your own Mini Musuem,” Andrea added.

“We received support when we ran our online quiz, with people taking part from across the country and engaging with Scottish fishing, heritage and nature questions.”