HISTORY:
This organisation was formed in March 1986 after a meeting of a group
of local history enthusiasts who each gave a donation of £10.00 and a
constitution etc. was agreed. The first premises used were a small room
within the Buckie Public Library which subsequently became too small to
accommodate our expanding records and artefacts. After several meetings
with The Moray Council the lease of the former caretaker’s cottage
situated at the rear of the library, which had lain empty for many
years, was agreed. The cottage was then redecorated and furnished and
opened to the public. A new thirty year lease for the cottage and
additional adjacent ground for development with options for the further
extension of this lease has recently been agreed with The Moray Council.
AIMS:
The Heritage Centre exists to preserve the rich
fishing heritage of Buckie and District and to provide assistance to
research and gather information on the past, present and future history
of this area. This is partially facilitated via our website at
www.buckieheritage.org
ORGANISATION & STRUCTURE:
The Heritage Centre is a registered Limited Company by Guarantee with
Charitable status. The Board comprises five directors and a twenty five
strong management Committee, the five directors being members of the
Management Committee. This Committee meets normally once a month and
formal minutes of each meeting are recorded. Local firms of Solicitors
and Accountants are engaged to manage the legal and financial affairs of
the Heritage Centre and audited annual accounts are produced at the
annual general meetings of the Company.
There are currently over 440 members worldwide who pay a nominal
annual subscription which entitles then to receive a quarterly
newsletter.
The Heritage Cottage is staffed by volunteers on a rota basis the
majority also being members of the Management Committee.
CONTENTS OF HERITAGE COTTAGE:
There is an extremely large collection of artefacts many of which are
not on display due to the lack of space. The majority of the artefacts
have been gifted by local people. Our collection of model boats is one
of the largest in the North East of Scotland and albums available for
perusal by the public contain well over 7000 photographs. A
comprehensive database is available which lists all boats built in local
boatyards. A small reference library of local history and fishing boats
is maintained for the use of the members and visitors.
INVOLVEMENT WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY:
Members give talks/slide shows to local organisations such as the
W.R.I., Church Groups, Rotary Clubs, Round Table, Youth organisations
Senior Citizens and open groups. Visits are made to the local hospital
and nursing homes to show photographs of local interest in order to try
and stimulate and recall memories amongst the residents particularly
those who are long term patients. Two annual prizes are presented to
Buckie High School to promote interest in the heritage and local history
of the area. School parties are regular visitors to the Heritage Centre
but unfortunately their numbers per visit have to be curtailed due to
our very restricted space. Discussions are in hand with The Moray
Council to produce a schools education/learning pack. The Heritage
Centre promotes/encourages publications and reprints of local history
books and is currently preparing the first of a series of three books on
the three main local building yards.
Although the Heritage Centre is open five and a half days a week
during the summer season, access can be gained at any mutually
convenient times throughout the year by contacting a committee member or
a member of the staff at Buckie Public Library.
THE FUTURE:
The present cramped and restricted accommodation has now outlived its
usefulness and for the Heritage Centre to continue its role in the
community then expansion and modernisation of the existing premises is
considered essential. Visitor numbers have increased considerably during
the last year partially due to the sad demise of the Buckie Drifter.
This has left our Heritage Centre the only visitor amenity of its type
in the eastern half of Moray District. Planning permission for
alterations and an extension to our premises has been received and the
Centre is currently closed whist the necessary work is now being
undertaken.
20th April 2007
