Broughty Castle and Museum funding needs to be a long term commitment

Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan has today called for the uncertainty of long-term funding for Broughty Castle and Museum to be lifted. Dundee City Council should commit to long-term funding of the museum facility of a minimum of at least three years. This would give the team at Leisure and Culture Dundee and the Friends of Broughty Castle a firm foundation to continue to build footfall and expand activities.
   The financial situation surrounding Broughty Castle Museum has been a developing saga over the last two years with the threat of closure of the castle’s museum and, at the last council budget in February 2024, just one year’s funding being given and on the basis of summer opening only. The Liberal Democrat Group voted to keep all-year opening but this was not supported by Labour and SNP councillors.

The Director of Leisure and Culture Dundee has now advised Councillor Duncan :

"I understand that the intention is that this item will be considered at the March budget meeting.  This will ensure all Councillors have the opportunity to review the work undertaken to date on alternative funding and consider it as part of any budget proposals."

Councillor Duncan said:
“There has been and remains a very real threat to the continuance of the museum at Broughty Castle and I think this year’s budget is the time for the City Council to properly commit to the castle and museum to give it a long-term and viable future.
 

“It makes zero sense to continue this ridiculous uncertainty facing this vital attraction which draws in visitors and residents alike to support employment in the currently vibrant Broughty Ferry business area.” 

“I do not regard the current ‘Sword of Damocles’ left hanging over the castle and its museum as being remotely acceptable. There are many individuals and organisations who wish to support and develop this remarkable castle and its museum but the shroud of uncertainty is unhelpful and impacts long term planning.”

“Therefore adequate and sufficient support needs to be made for the next few years.   This would allow for the excellent work the Friends of Broughty Castle and Leisure and Culture Dundee is built upon to ensure the castle and museum can continue to grow visitor numbers and give it a sustainable future.”