BANNOCKBURN visitor centre is to reopen within weeks after a Scottish Government rescue package saw bosses drop plans to mothball it until 2022.
The flagship site, which includes the multi-award-winning Battle of Bannockburn Experience, was amongst several scheduled to stay shuttered amidst a Covid-19 funding crisis.
The National broke that news in June and the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said it could not reopen all properties after lockdown due to an unprecedented shortfall.
Last week, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced a £3.8 million rescue package set to save around half of the 400 proposed job losses and allow the reopening of 33 properties this year – five more than was previously planned.
A total of 232 redundancies are still planned.
However, NTS has confirmed that none of the 11 posts at Bannockburn will be affected, with the centre reopening “as soon as possible”, starting with the cafe and shop.
Stirling politicians say they expect this to happen from September.
Only the battle experience attraction will stay shut, due to social distancing restrictions.
Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said: “This is a project close to my heart.
“NTS have listened to the concerns of people and have reversed their decision, which I welcome.
“The Bannockburn Centre is a hugely important part of the cultural offering of the Stirling area. I was involved in campaigning for its inception as it was clearly important to have a dedicated facility that marked a pivotal point in Scottish history. I am pleased that, thanks to additional Scottish Government funding, the centre will reopen next month.”
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MP Alyn Smith also welcomed the move, while Scott Farmer, leader of Stirling Council, commented: “Footfall into the Bannockburn Centre boosts tourism-related businesses right across the Stirling area, so it was crucial that we had it up and running normally again as soon as it is safe to do so.
“I’m pleased that a solution has been reached, with additional support funding, to bring the experience back to the area.”
The public money adds to almost £2.5m raised as the charity began emergency fundraising efforts.
Compulsory redundancies now stand at 188.
NTS chief executive Phil Long said: “We were confronted by the worst crisis in our charity’s history and we had a very real fear that this history was about to end abruptly. The generous support from the Scottish Government, together with the inspiring number of donations made by many individuals, has diverted us away from that terrible outcome.”
Long, formerly of the V&A Dundee, went on: “My joy at this announcement is tempered by the fact that the effects of Covid-19 are so devastating that we’re still having to say goodbye to many friends and colleagues.
“I wish it were not so, but much to my regret redundancies are unavoidable, although this support has helped us to keep them to the absolute minimum possible.
“While many of the affected posts are seasonal, and staff would have been finishing up for the year in a matter of weeks, we have modified our redundancy policy.
“If the situation improves sufficiently next year and we are able to recruit again, former staff can apply for posts after six months without having to repay their redundancy money.”
Hyslop commented: “While we have a long road ahead of us on the way to recovery as we begin to emerge from the coronavirus lockdown, reopening more of the National Trust for Scotland’s most iconic properties is testament to all of the work that has gone on behind the scenes and will enable the Trust to continue its responsibilities to protect, promote and celebrate Scotland’s heritage.”
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