Morayvia

Support from the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund has allowed Morayvia, an aviation museum, to be in the strongest position it ever has been to plan for its future.

By investing and installing solar panels which cover almost the entirety of the main building's roof, the museum has virtually eliminated its electricity bills, (which were a considerable portion of their ongoing running costs) and are now generating income from the Grid. This has been transformational for Morayvia.

Money that was otherwise going out the door in energy costs, is now being re-invested in other projects that can help the museum sustain its building and collections in the longer term.

Mark Mair, Chair of Morayvia says this financial breathing room has allowed the museum to think about its future and not be constrained by ‘short-term firefighting’. They are not dreaming of what they can do in the future. They are beginning to realise it. For example, initial cost saving allowed Morayvia to replace all of its lighting to low cost led. Plans are underway to install high-quality electric doors, which will maximise energy efficiency and provide better access to the museum.

Realising the income from the solar panels has given them the confidence to think about just about everything in sustainable terms. They have plans to turn a conservation area into a self sufficient unit, running completely off grid. They are also presently investigating options to secure their own water supply.

The funding has had a knock on effect that supports everything they do - giving them more time to plan, to think about how they want to conserve and protect their collections, and to make better decisions on fabric refits of the building.

This investment has allowed the museum to undertake what is, in essence, preventative conservation, measures can be put in place before there are problems, making Morayvia and its collections more sustainable for the future.

For many smaller museums and heritage attractions in UK, ongoing running costs are a major concern -- these fixed costs are a growing burden for many; never allowing museums to get ahead in what they want to do.

With increased cost of living pressures, many museums are financially squeezed to the point of closure. This funding has given Morayvia the ability to be strategic in its priorities and growth.

Morayvia has a well established track record of working with the local community. Its healthier financial position by being able to reallocate resources away from core running costs, means they can achieve other things. For example, they have been able to keep admission costs at the same level and are able to continue to provide many free opportunities for local groups and schools to access the museum and collections, as well as provide ongoing community outreach.

In a time when visitors are cost conscious, Morayvia numbers are up by 400 already since opening this spring of 2024. This growing of audiences will also help to sustain the museum.