One of Scotland’s leading heritage bodies has joined the campaign to save a Dumfriesshire museum at the site of the world’s first savings bank, from closure.
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland has called on the TSB to reconsider permanently shutting the Savings Bank Museum at Ruthwell and transferring its contents to Edinburgh.
Chairman Martin Robertson has written to the bank’s chief executive Debbie Cross accusing the company of “asset stripping” and insisting she “seek another solution for the building’s future”.
He described the proposal as “an extremely distressing one for Dumfries and Galloway”.
He added: “This museum could not be more important to the history of the savings movement worldwide but its significance also lies both in its very obvious humble beginnings and, particularly for the AHSS, in the authentic character and history of the building that houses it.
“The only realistic alternative use for this building would be as a house and its character is far less likely to be maintained in a way that fully reflects its true architectural nature and history if this should happen.
“It is even debatable as to whether it would truly remain of sufficient heritage importance to merit its Category A listing if its direct relation to its banking origins are diminished by your removing the associated artefacts and ending the bank’s direct ownership of it. It can only survive properly if it remains in TSB’s ownership and control.”
Mr Robertson has appealed to the TSB to “urgently reconsider” the decision and instead set up a properly endowed trust to run the building and museum.
Members of the public, politicians and community groups have all joined the fight to save the museum.
More than 1,200 people signed an online petition opposing the move.
Les Jardine, deputy chairman of Ruthwell and Clarencefield Community Council, said: “It’s one we’re determined to reverse.”
Following talks with bank bosses and MSP Emma Harper, the TSB agreed that none of the contents of the museum will be removed until a meeting is held between stakeholders to find a way forward.
Reverend Henry Duncan set up his “penny bank” in 1810 to enable poor people to make small deposits and earn interest on their savings.
Until then, because of high minimum deposits, banking was only available to the wealthy.
The TSB acquired the heritage centre for £1 in the 1950s.
The museum, which employed two people part-time, charts the life of Reverend Duncan who was also responsible for the restoration of the Ruthwell Cross and who founded the Dumfries and Galloway Standard.
Until Covid-19 restrictions began the museum was open part-time, attracting visitors from around the world.
A TSB spokesperson said the decision to close the museum and have its contents on display in its head office in Edinburgh still stands but that they are “engaging key stakeholders from the community to hear local views”.
