CAMPBELTOWN MUSEUM RE-OPENS
There were celebrations in Kintyre yesterday (Wednesday 25th June) when the official re-opening of Campbeltown Museum took place.
Councillor Douglas Philand, Argyll and Bute Council's spokesperson for Arts and Culture, declared the Burnet Building open by cutting a ribbon, as delighted guests looked on.
Councillor Philand said: "This is a very important day, not only for the people of Kintyre but for the whole of Argyll and Bute.
"Campbeltown Museum is home to an interesting collection of objects from internationally important archaeological sites, including objects from the chambered cairn at Beacharra and a jet necklace, which is one of only 10 in Scotland.
"The museum also has a varied collection of works of art, including two oil paintings by Sir William McTaggart and others by local artists Archibald MacKinnon and John Campbell Mitchell. It also has vast material connected to the area's local social, industrial and natural history, along with geology and much more.
"I would encourage visitors and locals alike of all ages to go along to the museum and take a trip through yesteryear."
The Council has entered into a Service Level Agreement with Kilmartin House Museum and Auchindrain Museum whereby Campbeltown Museum now has three specialist staff, including an archaeologist, a social historian and an education specialist.
This arrangement benefits all three of these museums and shows new and innovative ways of working through sharing staff and skills between several institutions.
Joanne Orr, Chief Executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: “It is fantastic to see the formation of partnerships such as this between Campbeltown Museum, Kilmartin House Museum and Auchindrain Museum.
"This joined-up thinking and skills sharing is something we actively encourage between our member museums and galleries and the benefits will be great for all involved.”
The opening times for the museum are generally Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm but please check before visiting by calling 01586 559000.
