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The stories, charms and realities of life in the local fishing community will be brought to life in an exciting new development at the Signal Tower Museum in Arbroath.

Work on the ‘Spotlight on Arbroath’s Fishing Heritage’ has begun and will feature new exhibition and gallery spaces.

Angus Alive’s redevelopment will see the original lighthouse keepers’ cottages at the museum open for public use.

The attractions will include a reconstructed interior of a fishing boat, a fleet of ship models and a display of objects from the local fishing and maritime industry.

The work will also create a temporary exhibition room and a flexible community activity space suitable for children’s activities, craft workshops, meetings, talks and events.

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Jointly funded by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS), North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group (NESFLAG), Arbroath Common Good and Angus Alive, the project will bring to life many unseen objects from the museum’s fishing collection, including some traditional fisher costume.

The new exhibitions will also incorporate oral history recordings being captured as part of the project, ensuring information about the ways of life of the Arbroath fishing communities are preserved for generations to come.

Once completed the fishing heritage project will provide increased opportunities for volunteering, community events, skills improvement and partnership working.

Sarah Burry-Hayes, marketing manager, MGS, said: “This exciting project not only enhances a beautiful and notable landmark in the town of Arbroath, it also further encapsulates the stories of the local fishing community for generations to come. These inspiring and creative developments to the museums displays and facilities show Angus Alive is dedicated to building a lasting destination attraction for the area, encouraging more of the community to visit and engaging new audiences.

“We are proud to be able to support the project through our Museum Development Fund.”

NESFLAG co-ordinator Jamie Wilkinson said the group was delighted to fund the project which supported its local development strategy by celebrating the local fishing heritage of the area.

He said: “We have funded around 25 projects along the Aberdeenshire and Angus coast and continue to support community led local development in the area through the delivery of European funds.”

Kirsten Couper, museum officer with Angus Alive, added: “We know how much our visitors already love our current museum.

“This new development will bring to life new stories that are very local and will appeal to Arbroath people and visitors alike.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming people and sharing the new, interactive exhibitions.”

The museum will remain open during the redevelopment work with the new attraction due to open next summer.