Our history

In the beginning...

Banffshire Maritime Heritage Association (BMHA) was formed in 2003 by a group of enthusiasts keen to show the rich maritime heritage of the area to a wider audience. They began collecting items of interest including photographs, artifacts, memorabilia and other items that would have a maritime theme

BMHA amassed quite a collection and decided it needed premises in which to display its collections. A former shop in Duff Street Macduff, close to the harbour, was leased by the Association and the collections were placed on public display. The building opened with free entry to the public in 2006.

The centre was manned on a voluntary basis by members of the committee and aroused considerable local interest. Some months later it became apparent that funding would be an issue. Whilst the centre was free to enter, visitors were given the opportunity to make donations if they wished, and as the Association had no direct income it was in an unsustainable position for donations alone were not sufficient to keep up with rising costs. It needed £5,000 per annum to run the enterprise

The centre did not renew the lease when it expired in 2008 and the team, still enthusiastic, realised it had to generate cash and a regular income to achieve a permanent home. They found an ideal niche in the market, when Chairman , Stan Bruce, hit on the idea of publishing books to sell. The idea worked as Stan, an accomplished and published author in his own right, and others in the group began to publish books. There is now a considerable portfolio and other titles are on the way

From the onset it was decided that books should be printed locally and they should be affordable. This plan has worked and whilst there is considerable outlay involved in publishing/printing each title the sales have to date justified this approach

In 2008 the association altered its name slightly going from Banffshire Maritime Heritage Association to Banffshire Maritime AND Heritage Association. This change better reflected the teams growing interest and collections of items that were of historic value but not all of a maritime nature

At the present time the Association in partnership with Banff  Preservation & Historic Society displays some of its exhibits in Banff museum thanks to the generosity of Aberdeenshire County Council Libraries and Museums department.

The association is actively looking for premises so that it can once again display its collections for all to see and appreciate

Thank you for reading this brief introduction to our Blog