Alford Heritage Museum opened its doors on April 7 for its first full season since 2019. A successful outdoor market was held on the first Saturday of opening with around 400 people attending the market and museum. Building upon a busy but shortened opening in 2021, a full programme of visitor activities and events is planned for this year. This will include car boot sales, outdoor markets, childrens’ craft and story sessions and some special fundraising events looking at the museum collections. The annual tractor run will also take place – date and venue to be confirmed at a later date. Heritage Association Chair Thomas Jackson explained: “This year we plan to encourage more visitors to come to the museum by offering some different types of events and activities. Although we expect to attract a good number of tourists, our core audience has always been from Alford and the north east of Scotland. People are visiting more local attractions this year and supporting local events. We hope to give them a visit to remember.” Historic Environment Scotland recently awarded the museum building (the old Alford Auction Mart) A-grade Listed Building status, acknowledging its importance within Scotland’s architectural heritage. The events run by the museum will help to raise funds towards the conservation of the building and its unique collection.
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Some of the events running over the summer include: Museum Minis – Crafts and storytelling for children (10-11am) 3 June Secrets of the Museum – looking at special museum objects with a volunteer (11-12.30pm) 26 May / 30 June / 28 July Museum Outdoor Market
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Night at the Museum Fundraiser 22 July All events can be booked online via the Events section of the museum website www.alfordheritagemuseum. com Numbers of places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
