Ruthwell & Clarencefield Community Council Want To Save The Ruthwell Savings Bank Museum

Since being notified by David Mundell, M.P. of the TSB’s plans to close the Savings Bank Museum in Ruthwell, Ruthwell and Clarencefield Community Council have been working with him, Emma Harper MSP & Oliver Mundell, MSP. with the aim of convincing TSB to reverse their decision and keep the Museum & its contents in its Ruthwell home.

A Spokesperson said “Under their previous CEO, Dr. Paul Pester, TSB had a close working relationship with our local community and supported the museum well. Visits to the museum were increasing before Covid19 and we were looking forward to its re-opening. TSB’s decision came as a devastating blow, particularly as there’d been no contact with our community on their intentions.

Although their change of course has come as a great shock, it’s one we’re determined to reverse. Emma Harper arranged a very productive “virtual” meeting this week with us and Directors of the TSB. We’ve agreed that, at this time, none of the contents of the museum will be removed, and there will shortly be a “round table” meeting with stakeholders to find a ‘way forward’.

Our objective is to keep the Museum and all its contents intact in its present home. Its historic documents and artefacts include many of which were donated to the Museum by residents for display or as a local ‘archive’. If the TSB wish to sever their connection with Ruthwell, these items should be returned, if only because it’s morally right. They should not be taken to TSB’s Edinburgh HQ, 90 miles from their Ruthwell home where Henry Duncan set up the world’s first people’s Savings Bank. They’d lose their vital connection with our region and we’d lose a valued part of our heritage

We’d like to thank all of those within Dumfriesshire and outwith our area for the support being offered and for their information regarding items held at the museum.”