Activists challenge council move to close museum

Apr 13 2011 by Andrea O'Neill, East Kilbride News

COMMUNITY activists in Strathaven are rallying round in a bid to save an historic landmark from the axe.

Campaigners are lobbying councillors to prevent the closure of the John Hastie Museum and have called for action from public-spirited Strathonians to back their efforts.

South Lanarkshire Council included the popular visitor attraction in their list of cuts announced last year which are aimed at saving £80 million over the next three years.

Described by locals as the “ornamental gem in Strathaven’s crown”, the Grade–B Listed 18th century country house was bequeathed to the market town by John Hastie almost 100 years ago.

The local businessman who owned a licensed grocery at The Cross, funded the building of the museum for the inhabitants of the town before he died in 1889.

Some of his personal 'antiquities' can be seen on display.

With the backing of the Friends of John Hastie Society, lifelong local resident William Park, has written to the council’s chief executive, Archie Strang, to oppose the move.

William, 78, told the News this week: “This closure would be a great disservice and a great loss to Strathaven – we do not want the museum closed.

“The museum is part of the town’s huge history weaving back to the 18th century. It is a fascinating old building which will lose its history if this goes ahead.

“There are so many organisations and consortiums in Strathaven who could lend their support and would be willing to operate it.

“We need to hold a public meeting and gather interested parties together.”

Community members are hoping local groups will work together to secure the museum’s future and lodge a formal interest in the building with the council.

A similar move was recently adopted by protesters opposing the closure of East Kilbride’s Hunter House Museum, which was also added to the council’s ‘hit list’.

Retired community council liaison officer, Robert Currie, who founded the Town Mill Project, has challenged the legality of the council’s decision.

He said: “The building was a gift bequest to the town from John Hastie himself. It is there to be enjoyed by all residents and visitors alike.

“The terms of ownership clearly prohibits any sale or change of use. It is not up for grabs.

“The strength of feeling among the Friends of John Hastie Museum is such that every possible pressure must be brought to bear on the council to ensure that any closure of the building is merely temporary, and that the museum will be kept in good order for its purposes.

“The council will still have to maintain the upkeep of the building so any savings made from the closure would be minimal.

“We want them to publicise details of the annual cost of running the museum and the calculation of the financial savings which has led them to this decision and let the community at large decide.”