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Forres' Falconer Museum was the focus of a motion proposed by Ariane Burgess MSP to honour Hugh Falconer





A politician has highlighted the legacy of a pioneering local scientist at Holyrood while calling for the re-opening of the museum built in his honour.

Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Ariane Burgess, has submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament to honour Hugh Falconer and draw attention to the ongoing plight of the Falconer Museum in Forres.

Ariane Burgess in Forres town centre.
Ariane Burgess in Forres town centre.

She said: "I submitted this motion to recognise Hugh’s significant contributions as a pioneering scientist. His work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of palaeontology and botany.

“The Falconer Museum, which houses many of his artefacts and research, is a vital cultural and educational resource for our community. It is essential that we preserve and celebrate this heritage for future generations.”

The museum was opened in 1852 and still houses treasures relating to Moray’s past with displays covering social history, geology, natural history and archaeology.

Due to budget cuts, custodians Moray Council closed the five star visitor attraction to the public in 2019. It is set to remain closed until a new trust or operating model can be established.

Volunteer group and campaigners, Friends of the Falconer Museum, hope that a Conservation and Heritage Scheme being developed by the local authority will ensure its eventual re-opening.

The Falconer Museum’s entrance on Museum Square.
The Falconer Museum’s entrance on Museum Square.

“The closure was a significant loss for our community,” said Ms Burgess. “The facility is a place of learning, inspiration, and connection to our past.

“I am hopeful that with renewed efforts and community support, we can reopen the museum and ensure it continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and culture.”

The parliamentary motion recognises Dr Hugh Falconer (1808–1865) as one of the leading scientists of the Victorian era, whose studies significantly advanced the theory of evolution. It notes his vital role in introducing tea as a cash crop in India, and commends his foresight in recommending the cultivation of the cinchona plant for quinine.

It also states that the Falconer Museum is “an indispensable part of Scotland's scientific and cultural heritage which should be preserved for future generations.”

“The response from my colleagues in parliament has been encouraging,” said Ms Burgess. “I am committed to working towards a positive outcome.

The Falconer Museum’s west facing side on Tolbooth Street featuring its carved stone heads.
The Falconer Museum’s west facing side on Tolbooth Street featuring its carved stone heads.

“Following the conclusion of budget negotiations with the Scottish Greens, local authorities will see a real-terms increase in funding this year. I hope this means they reconsider cuts to cultural institutions like museums and libraries which contribute so significantly to our quality of life.”

Friends of the Falconer Museum chairwoman Christiane Friauf confirmed the motion was lodged in time to honour the 160th anniversary of Falconer's passing on January 31, 1865.

She said: “He was born in 1808 in Forres, hence died relatively young and before he could finish a magnum opus which would have helped to keep the memory of his significant achievements alive.

“We are grateful to MSP Ariane Burgess for having lodged the motion.”

To see the motion in full visit https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/votes-and-motions/S6M-16174

Information displays inside the museum.
Information displays inside the museum.


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