The TSB are set to discuss the possibility of transferring ownership of the ‘Savings Bank Museum’ building and contents at Ruthwell in Dumfries and Galloway to the local community ownership. There will be a meeting held tomorrow Friday May the 11th in Dumfries to explore the idea!
David Mundell MP said: “This is very encouraging news and I am glad that the TSB has been willing to listen to the representations made by myself and others over the future of the bank.
“The savings bank museum is a vital part of the heritage of Dumfriesshire, but is also very significant in the history of the global savings bank movement as a whole.
“I believe it is a visitor attraction with untapped potential and transferring it to community ownership would be a positive step towards securing the building’s future and also possibly telling the remarkable story of the Rev. Henry Duncan to a wider audience.”
South Scotland MSP, Emma Harper who met with the Ruthwell and Clarencefield Community Council following the announcement from TSB and who raised a motion to the Scottish Parliament calling on TSB to reverse this decision, has welcomed this news ahead of the meeting with elected members and community stakeholders tomorrow (11/06/21).
Ms Harper has also said that it is absolutely right that the Sir Henry Duncan Savings Bank, and its collection of historical significance, stay open for residents and visitors to Dumfries and Galloway.
Commenting, Ms Harper said:
“I welcome that TSB have decided to explore community ownership of the Ruthwell Savings Bank Museum in Dumfries & Galloway. The Sir Henry Duncan Savings Bank is of historical significance to Dumfries and Galloway and puts the region on the global map as the home of the worldwide savings bank movement.
“This decision from TSB to pursue ways of keeping the museum open is the right one and I look forward to meeting with TSB, other elected members and community stakeholders tomorrow to discuss the practicalities of a community asset transfer. I will continue to positively work with all involved to ensure the museum stays open and to ensure the collection, rightfully, remains in Dumfries and Galloway.”
