Manx National Heritage (MNH), the charity responsible for the care and promotion of the Isle of Man’s natural and cultural heritage, is delighted to confirm that, thanks to the necessary funding being provided by the Economic Recovery Group (ERG), more of its iconic heritage sites can now open their doors from 16 July. In addition to the 4 sites, Manx Museum, House of Manannan, Castle Rushen and Rushen Abbey which are currently open on a regular basis, Laxey Wheel, Peel Castle, Cregneash and the Grove Museum will also open on a regular basis. Castletown Heritage Sites and Peggy guided tours will also recommence.
With borders closed until recently, there has been insufficient demand and admission income to sustain regular opening of many of the Island-wide sites. In addition, MNH’s annual grant from Isle of Man Government has been significantly reduced this year with the Island’s economy stretched in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. The opening of the heritage sites has, unfortunately, been one of the key casualties of this reduced funding.
With the support of the Department for Enterprise, our application for funding to the ERG has been successful and MNH can now play a fuller part in the Island’s economic recovery. The funding will allow for the attached pattern of opening to be supported from 16 July 2021 to 17 November 2021.
Retiring director Edmund Southworth, who served his last day in the role on July 9th, happily the same day that the funding was secured, said:
“I am delighted to be retiring on such a positive note for MNH and that our sites will now be able to play their part in the Island’s visitor economy recovery.
There is strong demand currently for the Isle of Man from both the travel trade and independent tourists alike, and the culture and heritage of the Island is a big part of that appeal. I cannot stress enough the importance of heritage to the Island’s tourism offer and the significant income that incoming visitors generate for local accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants and other business. This emergency funding will be multiplied in value many times over.”