Montrose Museum has finally reopened after a much-delayed access improvement scheme.
Started in late 2009 and planned to take six months, the £200,000-plus project had been criticised for leaving the attraction “like a bomb site” as officials tried to track down vital materials to finish the job.
Immediately evident at the front entrance is a specially-constructed symmetrical double ramp built for wheelchair users to access the building independently for the first time.
The ramp has been designed to complement the outside of the building both in its form and the stone, which was chosen to match the grade B listed building of 1842.
Inside, a new platform lift will transport visitors with walking difficulties to the Maritime Gallery, to view models of significant vessels such as the Cutty Sark, the bone ship model of the Royal George, and the famous local Fifie.
The story of Montrose’s fishing and shipping heritage is also a key feature of the attraction, with an account of trading in the Baltic, whaling in the Arctic, fishing in the North Sea, and the notorious slave triangle.
Visitors can also view curiosities including Napoleon’s hat and trace the evolution of the burgh through the museum’s rich collection of maps and prints.
Property services spokesman and Montrose councillor Mark Salmond said, “We are sure that visitors to the museum, particularly those with mobility issues, will find the improved accessibility measures of great benefit.
“While access has been the main emphasis of the redevelopment, visitors will have the opportunity to make use of the new reception desk, with its facilities for wheelchair users.
“Tourist information inquiries will be available at the front desk, with increased space for leaflets and brochures.
“Visitors will also have the chance to view the familiar displays in a new and improved setting, with the beautiful Victorian interior completely repainted in Wedgwood blue and white, and recarpeted.”
He added, “The reopening of the building was delayed because of difficulties in obtaining sufficient quantities of suitable locally sourced stone for the new entrance area and ramp. We apologise for the inconvenience this delay in reopening has caused.”
The museum’s new season will begin with a talk by popular speaker and writer John Aitken, who will be speaking on Montrose shipping on Wednesday at 2pm.