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 eight directors and a twenty five strong management Committee, the eight 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 500 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 Heritage Centre has now completed its refurbishment.   Visitor numbers have increased considerably during the last year and the comments left by visitors from far and wide are very encouraging.  We are continuing to identify further improvements inside and outside the Centre.  We have a meeting set up with the local High School in Buckie in the hope that we can recruit senior pupils to assist with future projects planned.