John Hastie Museum Trust have not given up hope of bringing the collection back to the town

Nov 30 2011 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

THE John Hastie Museum Trust are determined they will re-open the museum – albeit in a new venue.

The trust were extremely disappointed earlier this month when their bid to take over the former museum building was unsuccessful and instead South Lanarkshire Council executive committee awarded it to Strathaven Dynamo Amateur Football Club instead, for use as a clubhouse.

They have revealed, however, that they are now in discussions with a view to finding an alternative venue for the museum.

Trust spokesman Gordon McAllan said: “The Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust have worked extremely hard, in a few short months, to become a registered Scottish charity and to prepare a very detailed, imaginative and pragmatic plan for the re-opening of the John Hastie Museum in its original premises, but in an exciting 21st century form.

“On that basis, the trust submitted a strong bid to take over the former John Hastie Museum building, under South Lanarkshire Council's Public Asset Transfer scheme.

“Our trust members are understandably very disappointed by the decision of the executive committee of South Lanarkshire Council, on Wednesday November 16, not to support and accept the Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust's bid, but to approve a rival bid, on the basis of the recommendation by the council's officers who appraised the two projects submitted.

“Nonetheless, the trust wishes to congratulate the successful bidder, Strathaven Dynamo AFC, and to wish the club well in using the former John Hastie Museum premises as a clubhouse.”

Mr McAllan said the executive committee have decided the recommendations contained in their officers’ report should be approved in full. However, they had also said discussion had taken place on the possibility of looking at what options might be available to maintain a level of public access to material formally located in the museum premises.

Mr McAllan added: “While South Lanarkshire Council's decision is a matter of deep regret to the Strathaven John Hastie Museum Trust, which had hoped to base its work in the John Hastie Museum building, the second part of the council's statement offers real hope that, with careful negotiation, the trust will, in due course, be able to fulfil its ambition to bring the John Hastie Collection – a truly remarkable archive – to the people of Strathaven and district in a modern, accessible and exciting way.

“Discussions are already in progress with a view to finding a suitable venue in Strathaven for the new John Hastie Museum and the trust looks forward to sharing their revised plans with the local community as soon as possible.”