£100,000 grant secures future of Fife museum

The Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther has been given £100,000 through the Museum Galleries Scotland Recovery and Resilience Fund

This is part of a £1.57 billion investment in culture – £97 million of which was given to the Scottish Government.

Karen Seath, chairwoman of board of trustees at the Scottish Fisheries Museum, said: “It has been a very challenging year for the museum, its staff and volunteers, with closure for five months and restricted opening from August.

“These are unprecedented times and have impacted visitor numbers drastically. We are absolutely delighted and very grateful to receive further support from Museum Galleries Scotland. This will allow the museum to move forward out of the Covid-19 restriction period and help us develop and deliver our recovery programme for 2021.

“The award from the fund will go towards vital work in supporting the longevity of the Scottish Fisheries Museum, progressing projects to secure our future as a national Scottish visitor attraction, and in preserving the history and documenting the future of the Scottish fishing industry.

“The trustees and I are incredibly proud of the museum staff and volunteers for their continued hard work and enthusiasm. This award is a very welcome boost to all.”

CEO of Museum Galleries Scotland, Lucy Casot, added: “We are incredibly pleased to support the Scottish Fisheries Museum through the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

“As with many museums and galleries, the Scottish Fisheries Museum has faced severe difficulties caused by the pandemic. They quickly and innovatively responded to these challenges through expanding their online offering to continue events and activities within their community and to welcome visitors to digitally explore Scotland’s fishing heritage.

“Through the fund we are delighted to support the Scottish Fisheries Museum innovative spirit, as seen in their plans for the restoration of the historic Reaper, to make it a star attraction that reflects the importance of their role in preserving and telling the stories of Scotland’s fishing heritage.”