Aberdeenshire Council is encouraging residents across the region to contribute to the development of a new Museum of Aberdeenshire in Peterhead town centre.
The ambitious project was awarded £20 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up fund. It involves restoring the vacant Arbuthnott House and linking it to a new extension to house a new museum and the town’s library.
Live Life Aberdeenshire will operate the new museum. It wants to hear from residents across the county about what stories and objects could be included in the state-of-the-art galleries.
Anyone interested in the development can fill out an online survey, which asks about potential exhibitions, displays, activities, F&B and retail at the upcoming museum.
Online survey and public events
Additionally, staff from Live Life Aberdeenshire will provide information about the project at the following locations in the coming months:
- Deveron Community and Sports Centre – 29 April, 12pm-5pm
- Fraserburgh Community and Sports Centre – 14 May, 12pm-5pm
- Ellon Library – 2 May, 12pm-5pm
- Inverurie Library – 1 May, 12pm-5pm
- Stonehaven Library – 17 May, 12pm-5pm
- Banchory Library– 20 May, 12pm-4.30pm
- Huntly Library– 10 May, 10am-2pm
“I would encourage communities across Aberdeenshire to get involved in our engagement programme and let us know what’s important for you in terms of our rich cultural and heritage so we can make this new regional museum a real jewel in the northeast crown,” said Aberdeenshire Council deputy leader Anne Stirling.
Treasures from Aberdeenshire on view
The Museum of Aberdeenshire will showcase many treasures unique to the area. It will also feature spaces for learning, a dedicated exhibition gallery, a new café with an outside terrace, and a small retail area.
Aberdeenshire Council leader Gillian Owen said she is “impressed by the initial designs for the Museum of Aberdeenshire”.
“This will be a museum for the whole shire, showcasing the inspiring individuals, sensational stories and amazing artefacts that make the northeast unique.
“Through the Levelling Up funding we will be able to enhance, develop and future-proof our tourist and cultural offerings in the north of the region which will have tremendous benefits for the wider economy of Aberdeenshire.”
Images courtesy of Aberdeenshire Council
