Moray MP Douglas Ross learns of pressures facing Morayvia
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Moray's MP was told at the weekend about the pressures facing of the region's top tourist attractions.
Douglas Ross visited Morayvia on Saturday to see gain a better understanding of the financial pressures which the volunteer-led organisation is facing.
Following the meeting, Lynne Herbert who's a director at the aeronautical museum in Kinloss, said: "With many of our volunteers very much in the at-risk category we took the decision very early on into the pandemic that we would not open for this season and see where things are next spring.
"Like many groups we find that we do not meet the criteria for financial assistance, whether it be size, location, rateable value etc.
"There always seems to be a reason that limits our success and I am sure these frustrations exist for others locally.
"That being said, we have been successful in securing some funding to deal with Covid and making sure that we can make the centre as safe and welcoming as possible for when we reopen.
"Morayvia has recently and unexpectedly been hit with draconian water rates charges.
"So we are grateful for assistance from all quarters to assist us in trying to achieve a workable solution to these charges.
"Hopefully this will happen in due course, although it may need a change of legislation by the Scottish Government to see a fairer level playing field for charities based in Scotland."
Another director, Bob Pountney, highlighted how Morayvia's volunteers had begun working on the exhibits again several weeks ago.
He said: "Our members are our core asset and it is easy to see what it means to them to be able to get back into the centre.
"Morayvia is very much a member-led organisation.
"We felt it was important for the health and wellbeing of our members to try and get them back into the workshop when safe to do so.
"Isolation can greatly affect mental wellbeing and we all know the positive benefits from members getting hands-on with the maintenance and restoration of exhibits."
The leader of the Scottish Conservatives was accompanied during the visit by Grenville Johnston, the previous Lord Lieutenant of Moray.
Mr Pountney added: "Both Douglas and Grenville were most impressed with the work being done in recent weeks to our Meteor, Provost and Whirlwind aircraft.
"The Whirlwind was a derelict shell when it first arrived.
"We have also made use of an online booking app where members can put their name down for Monday and Thursday sessions.
"These are available on a first come first served basis to limited numbers.
"We have had fantastic support from the public, our supporters, volunteers and members as well as aviation interest groups across the UK who have kindly helped with donations.
"We look forward to the day when we can safely welcome visitors to Morayvia."
