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Council to progress transfer of Duff House management to Historic Scotland

The management of Banff visitor attraction Duff House could transfer to Historic Scotland as soon as April, following support by councillors.

The proposals were welcomed at a meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s Policy and Resources Committee at Woodhill House, Aberdeen, last week. (Thu, Jan 12)

The historic venue is operated under a partnership involving Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Scotland, and the National Galleries of Scotland.

Aberdeenshire is currently responsible for funding the operation of Duff House, including staffing, administration, utilities and some grounds maintenance costs.

Funding for the venue was reduced by a third as part of budget reductions for visitor attractions agreed by the local authority in March last year.

Ongoing discussions have led to proposals for a change in emphasis for all partners, with building owners Historic Scotland taking over the running of the facility, including staffing and opening responsibilities.

Aberdeenshire Council Chief Executive Colin Mackenzie said the discussions surrounded a ‘rebalancing’ of the partnership and assured the committee that the Education, Learning and Leisure service would continue to support.

Committee chair Cllr Anne Robertson said: “I think it is to the benefit of everybody that this arrangement has been reached, and we can move forward to the future with the benefit of the knowledge and expertise of Historic Scotland, and continued input from our own cultural services.”

The committee agreed to the transfer of staff from Aberdeenshire Council to the management of Historic Scotland subject to further negotiations.

It is expected that the new arrangements will take effect from April 1 this year and staff will be supported through the changeover.

A progress report will be brought back before the committee by the summer.

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