The doors of a Moray museum will not reopen until next year – but their digital offering has been a major hit with history buffs.
Members of The Moray Society, who run Elgin Museum, are disappointed about not welcoming visitors back this year – however, they are keen to build on their online success.
Moray Society vice-president, Claire Herbert, said the group will continue to increase their online presence even when their doors reopen in 2021.
Each day, they have been publishing ideas for hands-on activities to keep youngsters entertained – such as creating their own archaeological dig box which has been popular.
And staff have been busy getting people to learn about the variety of items on display there from the comfort of their living room, through commentary videos describing artefacts.
Miss Herbert said: “It has been well received and we have been putting out a monthly update and activities where we have had really good feedback.
“There is something for everyone including adults.
“We are carrying with our digital offering as it was received well and recognise that even in normal circumstances some people can’t get to the museum as they aren’t able physically or geographical wise.
“The digital content also opens us up to tell a wider audience about the great things we have at Elgin Museum.
“We are having on average 200 readers for our online newsletter update which is great to see.”
Miss Herbert added: ” We have tried to make it clear that it is not possible for us to reopen this year with the measures in place.
“We are a free museum that relies on donations so it costs us the same amount to be open even if there are two or three visitors.
“We are still working on getting extra measures like PPE, hand sanitisers and signage in place at the museum.
“Also we don’t want to put our volunteers in unnecessary risk.”
Meanwhile, a scheduled new exhibition which included teeth and bones from a Elginerpeton Pancheni believed to be 275 million years old discovered in Elgin on loan from National Museums Scotland will be delayed until next year.
Visit elginmuseum.org.uk to check out their online offering.