Two organisations in Orkney have been successful in the second round of the Resilience Fund administered by Museums and Galleries Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government.

Westray Heritage Centre received £2,026 to make energy efficiency improvements.

Alasdair H McVicar, Chair of Westray Heritage Trust said: 

“With energy costs 8.5% of the annual costs of Westray Heritage Centre, this project is designed to reduce costs by maximising the use of existing eco-friendly heating and by replacing old lighting with modern energy efficient LED units. Heat from the newer part of the Centre supplied from a ground source system transferred through new ducting to the older half of the building aims to totally replace dependence there on costly electric radiators. An estimated combined saving of up to £1,000 is possible, becoming more critical now as a fixed cost contract for energy is due for renewal.” 

The Pier Arts Centre received £18,023 to improve the sustainability of their heating system.

Andrew Parkinson, Curator, The Pier Arts Centre said: 

“The funding we have received from Museums Galleries Scotland in recent years has gone a long way in helping to reduce the running costs and carbon footprint of the Pier Arts Centre. The latest support to upgrade some of the room heaters in the gallery will add to these savings, while increasing comfort for our visitors, volunteers and staff. Technologies that were not fully developed when the Centre last invested in capital improvements are now on the market and the grants from MGS have allowed significant improvements to be made to the museum that would otherwise have been unaffordable.” 

In this round 20 museums across Scotland are sharing in a total of £573,985.

Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: 

“Museums are working to build a more resilient future through using new energy saving technologies and diversifying income streams. Investment in long-term improvements for museums helps to strengthen and continue their role in communities across Scotland as spaces to have fun in, reflect, and share stories. “

Support from the Resilience Fund will help museums around the country to increase income generation and save money through better energy efficiency.

Christina McKelvie, Culture Minister in the Scottish Government said: 

“Energy efficiency is important not only to reduce costs but to cut carbon output as part of tackling climate change.  

“I’m pleased that the Scottish Government’s provision of extra funds for Museums Galleries Scotland’s Resilience Fund is supporting organisations right across Scotland to put in place innovative solutions to these challenges.”