With a generous grant from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, a visionary project is underway in Peterhead, one that intertwines the preservation of heritage with the promise of revitalisation. The ‘Cultural Tides: North Sea Connections in Aberdeenshire’ initiative paves the way for a multi-million-pound regional museum and library centred around the historic Arbuthnot House and the extension of Macduff Marine Aquarium.
The ambitious plan for the new Peterhead attraction includes not just a museum that showcases Aberdeenshire’s extensive heritage collections and artwork but also a space for the community to connect and learn about their local history. The museum, poised to be the first regional museum for the area, is anticipated to be a catalyst for educational and cultural enrichment. It will feature new library spaces, permanent and touring exhibition galleries, and a dedicated exhibition facility that can host national exhibitions and local events alike.
With innovative design by Collective Architecture Limited, the new extension will house a ground-floor library that opens to a welcoming garden where literature and nature can be enjoyed in tandem. Purpose-built galleries are designed to provide optimal conditions for the display of a multitude of artefacts, supported by creative interpretation through music, interactive features, and film. The museum’s team is set to engage with community groups to co-curate displays, ensuring that the stories told resonate with the locals and honour their collective memory.
The project also brings economic promise. Ewen Fowlie, Operations Director for Hub North Scotland, underlines the transformative potential of the project, not just for Peterhead’s landmarks but for the entire region’s economic landscape. This development arrives alongside other significant infrastructure investments, signalling a new era of growth and prosperity for the northeast of Scotland.
Councillor Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council Leader, envisions the museum as a celebration of Aberdeenshire, a testament to the inspiring individuals and sensational stories that define the northeast. The Levelling Up funding aims to enhance and future-proof the tourist and cultural offerings, contributing to the wider economic development of Aberdeenshire.
Depute Leader Cllr Anne Stirling emphasises the project’s ambitious nature and its role in bolstering the northeast economy through tourism and business opportunities. She invites the community to participate in the engagement programme, ensuring that the museum becomes a crowning jewel of cultural and heritage representation in the region.
As the project progresses, the new regional museum and library stand as beacons of Aberdeenshire’s cultural renaissance. It’s a fusion of history and modernity, a beacon for community spirit, and a lighthouse guiding the region towards a bright, interconnected future.
