Perth and Kinross Council has stepped in to provide financial support to the Scottish Crannog Centre with a pledge of up to £50,000. The decision was made in response to the centre’s potential “cashflow challenges” which were deemed to be beyond their control. The council’s Finance and Resources Committee approved this emergency funding during a revenue budget update held on November 20.
The Scottish Crannog Centre, located at Loch Tay, faced significant setbacks in 2021 when a fire destroyed the recreated Iron Age house on its premises. This unfortunate event accelerated the need for the development of a new £12 million centre across the water at Dalerb. Although construction is still ongoing, the museum opened its doors to the public at the new site on April 1.
Managing director of the Scottish Crannog Centre, Mike Benson, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the public since the devastating fire. He remains optimistic that the £50,000 underwriting from the council may not be necessary, but it serves as a crucial safety net should the need arise.
With a projected overspend of £885,000 in its 2024/25 General Fund Management Budget, Perth and Kinross Council allocated £50,000 from its reserves to provide the Scottish Crannog Centre with additional assurance. Council leader Grant Laing emphasized that the financial assistance will only be utilised if deemed essential.
The decision to support the Scottish Crannog Centre was met with a mix of reactions from councillors. While some, like Provost Xander McDade, showed full support for the initiative, others, such as Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett, raised concerns about the timing of the funding request. Despite differing opinions, it is clear that the Scottish Crannog Centre holds significant cultural and heritage value for the region.
This rescue funding demonstrates the importance of preserving historical sites and the community’s dedication to safeguarding their local heritage. The Scottish Crannog Centre plays a vital role in sharing Scotland’s rich history with residents and visitors alike. Through collaborative efforts between local authorities and cultural institutions, valuable landmarks like the Scottish Crannog Centre can continue to thrive and inspire generations to come.