HLF's investment has put Scotland's museums and galleries firmly on the world map, boosting tourism across the country. From the national collections to small community-driven projects staffed by volunteers, and those that celebrate our industrial past and national identity, the £150million investment has been the catalyst for the greatest cultural renaissance of our time.

Kelvingrove has long been a great example of how passionately people feel about museums. It is the most visited museum outside London, with almost every Glaswegian school child taking part in a school trip. HLF's £12.7million investment in Kelvingrove has helped fund a make over of unrivalled impact, giving a new home to famous old residents such as Sir Rodger, the elephant, and to new additions such as the Honeyman portrait that HLF helped the museum purchase last month.

In addition to HLF's contribution of nearly £13 million, other funders include: Glasgow City Council £6.3million, European Regional Development Fund £2.5million, Historic Scotland £500,000, Scottish Natural Heritage £370,000. Additional support came from private sponsorship and fund raising through the Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal. 

Speaking ahead of the official opening Brian Lang, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Scotland took the opportunity to thank National Lottery players who have helped fund this cultural renaissance:

Over the past 12 years, the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded over £150million to more than 240 museum and gallery projects in Scotland, an investment not seen since the Victorian era.

"Kelvingrove is a jewel in the crown of that cultural renaissance. Our heritage will continue to benefit from money raised from the National Lottery for good causes, so it is important to thank every person who has bought a lottery ticket."

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson, said: "Scotland's museums are one of our country's greatest assets. Thanks to this investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Kelvingrove can take its place among the finest in the world. It leads the way as a shining example of how lottery players' money can create a museum for the 21st century."

Before the Heritage Lottery Fund, they faced a crisis of under-funding but a snapshot of HLF supported projects shows how lottery players' money has helped to transform Scotland's museums and galleries in the past 12 years.  

Dunblane Museum
Originally called the Dunblane Cathedral Museum, its collections are of national and local importance. £650,000 of HLF money has transformed this previously aged and inaccessible museum into a high quality modern museum with top notch exhibitions and facilities used by everybody. 

Summerlee Heritage Park
Summerlee is one of the most important industrial heritage sites in Scotland. It has one of only two remaining ironworks in the country, dating from the 1830's. The £4.7 million award to the Heritage Park will help to provide a fascinating and enjoyable day out for families as they learn about the industries on which Scotland once thrived. This includes being transported back in time to an underground coal mine, miners' cottages and the Monkland Canal on Scotland's only working electric tram system.

Hebridean Young Creators
With the support of a £17,000 grant, young people from the Western Isles were given the unique opportunity of curating their own exhibition of artefacts and artworks from the National Museums and National Galleries of Scotland. Youngsters were given training in all aspects of creating an exhibition - from layout and lighting to marketing and interpretation, and the exhibition which represents the culmination of all of this work is launched today.

Fife Folk Museum
Thanks to a £276,000 HL grant, Fife Folk Museum has been fully restored, allowing people from near and far to discover the special history of everyday rural life in Fife.  People can explore the burgh Tolbooth, which dates from 1673, inspect the weigh-house, and visit the dungeon and its prisoner!

Playfair Project
A £7.4 million HLF grant has helped to restore the Royal Scottish Academy and build the Weston Link, an underground building which joins the adjacent National Gallery of Scotland and Royal Scottish Academy buildings. The Weston Link houses the Clore Education Centre, with a lecture theatre and education and seminar rooms, as well as an Information Technology Gallery, restaurant and shop.

Further information

Sam Goody, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6033 or samanthag@hlf.org.uk
 
Paul Kane on 0774 762 7743 / www.glasgowmuseums.com