A beloved north-east military museum battling closure could be given a boost by the city council.
The Gordon Highlander’s museum, on Aberdeen’s Viewfield Road, has launched a £300,000 fundraising drive to keep the city’s only five-star attraction open.
Despite growing visitor numbers, the oil and gas downturn has led to a drastic cut in the number of corporate events taking place with bookings for conferences, training days and dinners falling by nearly 60% in the past three years.
Profits, which are all ploughed back into the museum, have fallen by nearly 80% during the same period.
Aberdeen Journals Ltd, publishers of the Press and Journal and Evening Express, has already supported the appeal with a £10,000 donation.
Now Hazlehead, Queens Cross and Ashley councillor John Cooke has submitted a motion to next Wednesday’s meeting of the full council calling for officers to look into what financial support the authority can offer.
And last night Mr Cooke said the appeal was particularly poignant to him with his grandfather serving with the regiment in World War I.
He said: “My grandfather, Private Peter Cooke, fought in World War I and was injured just before the Battle of the Somme.
“It was lucky for him because he was drafted out while so many died in that battle.
“Not only does the museum do a great job in honouring the regiment that was so important to the city and wider region but there is a great economic benefit too.
“This is really one of the jewels in the crown as far as our tourism appeal.
“I hope my motion receives support from across the chamber.”
And SNP member Mr Cooke has already found support from Liberal Democrat Hazlehead councillor Martin Greig who has indicated he will second the motion.
Mr Greig said: “I want the museum to have a secure future especially as a means of communicating with younger generations.The young people who participate in learning projects are able to benefit from reflecting on this key part of their heritage.”
Museum chief executive Bryan Snelling said: “We welcome any support and I certainly hope the council will be able to help.”
To find out more about supporting the campaign visit www.gordonhighlanders.com/appeal2017
