Hearts launch plans to create museum

BOLD plans to create a museum celebrating Hearts’ 140-year history have been launched.
Hearts plan to be the first club in Scotland to offer all staff the living wage. Picture: Ian RutherfordHearts plan to be the first club in Scotland to offer all staff the living wage. Picture: Ian Rutherford
Hearts plan to be the first club in Scotland to offer all staff the living wage. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Supporters said the statement by chairwoman Ann Budge was evidence that the club was moving in the right direction, on and off the pitch.

Steven Kilgour, general secretary of the Federation of Hearts Supporters Clubs, said: “They are putting the pride back into the club, on and off the pitch. The museum has been mooted for a few years and it’s good to see things are finally happening.”

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He suggested the museum could include items relating to the 1914 McCrae’s Battalion side and the great teams of the 1950s, plus more recent cup wins.

“If they put out an appeal, I’m sure people would be more than willing to donate,” he added.

A feasibility study has now been launched to look into creating the attraction within the Gorgie Stand and a project manager appointed.

Club historians and archivists are working closely with the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden.

Describing the news as “exciting”, former Hearts star Donald Ford said: “I don’t know how much memorabilia is still around Tynecastle or whether they are relying on contributions from supporters, but anything that brings pleasure when people walk in is to be applauded.”

Manuela Calchini of 
VisitScotland said the museum could prove a big draw.

She said: “There is always a great appetite for memorabilia among football fans. Hearts fans are passionate about the history of their club and the club has a rich footballing heritage, with the likes of Alfie Conn, Dave Mackay and John Robertson just some of the big names to have worn the famous maroon shirt down the years.

“If the museum were to go ahead, I’m sure it would prove a terrific addition to the broad range of visitor attractions on offer in Edinburgh.”

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