An ambitious venture, celebrating the life of one of the region’s most famous historical figures, has received a financial boost.
The Cutty Sark Museum Project has been handed £300 through a community cash event held by the Kincardineshire Development Partnership (KDP) in Drumlithie.
Plans are being drawn up to create the centre in Inverbervie, the home town of the renowned clipper’s designer, Hercules Linton.
Last month, Mearns Heritage Services got the ball rolling on establishing a “virtual museum” in the form of a website which will shed light on the final proposals for a finished museum in the community.
The funding from the KDP means that some of the work produced for the project by Glenbervie School pupils can come to fruition.
The youngsters have been working on the Cutty Sark project by researching and drawing together an integrated Mearns story, along with schools in Bervie and Auchenblae.
Glenbervie pupils have also investigated the links between Inverbervie and William Burnes of Dunnottar, the father of the Bard, Robbie Burns, by drawing up an interactive panel for the virtual museum.
A leaflet guiding readers through a history of the Mearns has also been designed, which will be printed with the funds given through the KDP.
The Cutty Sark Museum would also offer an insight into several fascinating facets of local history – including Burns’ family ties with the Mearns.
Mr Linton was born in Inverbervie in 1837, and his vessel – which gained the reputation of being the fastest sea clipper in the world – was launched in 1869.
The museum project’s director, Dave Ramsay, said: “This is a significant boost for the school and the project.
“It will enable us to purchase the services of a professional graphics artist, and pay for the cost of printing the tri-fold visitor information leaflet, which will be on display in various locations throughout the Mearns.
“Our main sponsor, Fotheringham Property Developments, gave us a tremendous boost, and this additional community cash award, is a real bonus which will highlight and carry forward the Glenbervie school contribution.”