Campaign launches to save museum

A PETITION to save the Old Bridge House from closure has been launched, and is gaining momentum.

As Dumfries’ oldest house, the sandstone building has sat at the western end of the Devorgilla Bridge since 1660. In that time it has been a barrel maker, an inn, a home and two flats, before becoming a folk museum in the 1960s.

Now its future is uncertain as it features among the cost-saving measures in Dumfries and Galloway Council’s budget consultation, to close alongside three others in the region.

However, the suggestion has prompted resident Fiona Lee to start a petition against closure.

She said: “We recognise the challenging financial decisions facing the council and appreciate the need for careful budget management, however we believe the Old Bridge House Museum delivers substantial value that justifies continued investment.

“The loss of this facility would represent an irreversible reduction in our cultural infrastructure at a time we are looking to market the town and its culture on both national and international platforms.

“We respectfully request the council explores alternative cost-saving measures and revenue-generation opportunities before considering closure.”

With the budget consultation set to close at midnight on Sunday, council leader Stephen Thompson is encouraging people to have their say. He added: “It is completely understandable that people are worried about what some of these proposals might mean for them. Nobody wants to be in a position where savings of this scale have to be found. But these are the realities we face.

“The consultation lets councillors listen first before any decisions are made. It’s important to hear what people value most, where they think the priorities should lie, and how the impact of unavoidable savings can be reduced.

“These are proposals, not decisions.”