Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust have announced that the visitor centre in Dumfries is to close.
In a statement from the trust, they said:
“It is with a heavy heart that we, the Trustees, announce the imminent closure of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust and Visitor Centre in Dumfries town centre.
“We have reached the stage where — with great regret — it is necessary to close Moat Brae’s doors to the public from 23rd August 2024.
“Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust has been losing money for an extended period. Like most other Scottish charities, we have seen a marked reduction in statutory funding, grant funding, donor income and legacies.
“As a building-based organisation, we have also seen the impacts of a significant drop in footfall, despite our dedicated staff and volunteer team’s efforts and local community support. The rising cost of living means our costs of operation have seen a significant leap, with inflation impacting across the board including labour, property holding costs, food and beverages.”
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Graham Edwards, Interim-Chair, said; “Every possible effort and option have been explored by the Trustees and staff of the Moat Brae Peter Pan Trust. Therefore, it is with deep sadness that we announce the end of operations.
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff, volunteers, members and many supporters of the Trust for their commitment in bringing the magic of books and storytelling to life for the thousands of visitors who passed through the doors. The Trust’s purpose was to spark young imaginations and encourage creativity, we hope this is the legacy we leave behind.”