Ian Rankin backs museum campaign

IAN Rankin has lent his support to the campaign to raise £46.4 million for the redevelopment of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The author of the Inspector Rebus novels said he had a passion for the museum, which has featured in a number of his books.

"I've been visiting the museum all my life, coming here as a child, brought by my parents and visiting with school, and then coming here myself as a student," he said. "In later life, I brought my own children here, and I hope they'll bring their children here.

"The museum has constantly been with me. It's been a source of inspiration, featuring in several of the Inspector Rebus novels, such as the role of the Arthur's Seat coffins in The Falls. I feel a close affinity to it. I'm really looking forward to the opening of the renewed museum and so I was delighted to be asked to support this appeal."

The 46.4m project has been supported by the Scottish Government (16m) and the Heritage Lottery Fund (17.8), leaving a target of 12.6m. With more than 11m raised through private donors and funds, National Museums Scotland now has under 1.5m left to raise to meet the target.

The renewed National Museum of Scotland will boast 16 new galleries, a new street-level entrance, 50 per cent more public space, treble the amount of space for education, better facilities for events and exhibitions, and thousands of objects on display for the first time. It is expected to attract more than a million visitors a year and generate over 58m per year for the Scottish economy. It is due to open to the public in the summer of 2011.