This article was first published in the Evening Telegraph on 3 December 2024 - and updated to reflect the decisions made before the column was published.
Last week, we learned of the proposed recommendations for three venues under threat of closure in Dundee.
Hearing that Caird Park golf course will face closure and the future of Broughty Castle now hanging in the balance, it was deeply upsetting. However, I was relieved to hear that Mills Observatory has been saved from closure.
Dundee City Council is in an unenviable position. With a finite budget, tough decisions must be made about where money is spent, and unfortunately, cultural venues and programmes are often among the first to face cuts.
Broughty Castle is an integral part of Dundee’s history, offering residents and visitors a glimpse into our maritime and military heritage. Caird Park golf course, meanwhile, is a vital green space and a popular destination for golfers. Both venues provide value to the people of Dundee, and their closure would leave significant gaps in the city’s cultural and recreational landscape.
The golf course will close in April next year, and the future of Broughty Castle, which was initially due to close in October, has a decision deferred to a later date. While closures loom for the golf course, there are alternative options the council could explore.
For Broughty Castle, groups like the Broughty Ferry Traders Association have suggested operating the venue seasonally. This compromise could help keep it open while reducing operating costs. Another possibility is transferring full control of the castle to Historic Scotland, which already owns it but does not currently operate it.
As for Caird Park golf course, discussions with private firms might offer a way to keep it running without burdening the council’s budget. With creative thinking and collaboration, there are viable paths to save these cherished venues.
Now, for some positive news: Mills Observatory has been saved from closure, and I couldn’t be happier.
Promoting Mills Observatory has been one of my proudest achievements. When I first started, there was virtually no marketing for it—details about its opening were buried on the LAC website.
Through Dundee Culture, I was the first to post about its opening, followed by a column in The Tele. The impact was immediate, leading to a partnership between Dundee Culture and the observatory.
Visitor numbers soared—a 127% increase in the first month alone—and this momentum likely played a key role in saving the observatory from closure.
However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. Next year marks Mills Observatory’s 90th anniversary, and August 2026 will bring a historic solar eclipse, with 90% coverage in Dundee.
These milestones present excellent opportunities for further promotion, but sustained funding will be essential to ensure its future beyond its centenary in 2035.
The observatory’s success demonstrates the power of the “use it or lose it” message, and this principle applies to Broughty Castle and Caird Park as well.
Both are more than just venues—they are vital parts of Dundee’s identity.
With community engagement and innovative solutions, we can hope to see them thrive alongside Mills Observatory for years to come.
Comments