Tomintoul Museum reopens after refurbishment and rebranding

A village in the Cairngorms has re-opened its museum after significant refurbishment and a rebranding to reflect the area's background and local history.

The new Discovery Centre. Picture: TGDT.

Tomintoul’s Museum has become the Discovery Centre after a community group took ownership of the building and vowed to transform it and provide a better service to locals and visitors alike.

Moray Council withdrew funding for the Museum in 2014, but after a transfer to the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Development Trust (TGDT), the building was closed and reopened following a £500,000 investment.

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The refurbishment includes a greater focus on local history, aided by a digital archive and a new virtual reality experience, as well as the refurbishment of a first floor which hosts the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Landscape Partnership.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place yesterday with guest of honour Clare Russell, the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.

Doug Nisbet, TGDT chairman, told the Press and Journal: “The Discovery Centre is a valuable asset to our communities, providing a fascinating history of the area with orientation and visitor information on Tomintoul and Glenlivet within the Cairngorms National Park.

“It will also provide an important community space that residents and local groups can benefit from.”

TGLP chairman Steve Smith added: “This will help visitors to discover and enjoy the landscapes and hidden heritage of the area.

“It’s great to see the opening of the Discovery Centre, which is the culmination of many years of effort by the community to transform this facility.”