The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) has awarded a grant of £3,000 to the Cumnock Heritage Centre (East Ayrshire) to facilitate online access to the Centre’s exhibits and extensive photographic archive.

The Centre currently houses a vast collection of historical vehicles, local heritage items, and transport memorabilia.

CRT, which aims to make a positive and lasting difference in coalfield communities, awarded £3,000 to Cumnock Heritage Centre to increase virtual awareness of the charity’s events and exhibits, streamline its booking system to maintain social distancing during Covid operation, and encourage visitors from abroad by offering referrals to local accommodation.

The Centre acts as a hub of opportunity for the Cumnock community, being free to visit and offering volunteer placements so locals can gain experience in restoration and curating. Despite the reduced operation of the museum during the pandemic, the Centre’s footfall remained high, recording more than one thousand visitors in its first year.

Jim Smith (L) of the Cumnock Heritage Centre said, “This funding will allow us to attract visitors beyond the Cumnock area and extend the functions of the museum. We will be able to provide greater information on the items in our collection, offer more Centre roles, and safeguard our community from possible covid closures with unrestricted virtual access to our services”.

Bob Young, CRT Scotland trustee said, “It is our mission to create opportunities in coalfields areas where so much talent and community spirit lie. Community projects such as the Cumnock Heritage Centre are vital in offering prospects to gain skills and employment. We are pleased to be able to help develop their digital status, attract new visitors, and further the services they can offer”.