Broughty Castle saved from immediate closure as funding secured for the next three years

Broughty Castle Museum has secured new funding that will help safeguard the historic site for the next three years, ensuring the continued operation of one of Dundee’s most recognisable landmarks.

A total of £150,000 in joint investment has been committed through match funding from Dundee City Council and the Northwood Charitable Trust.

The funding will support exhibitions and maintain the castle’s seasonal programme of events and activities, which run from April to October each year.

Dundee City Council will also continue to fund essential maintenance costs associated with the historic building.

The announcement follows months of collaboration between Leisure and Culture Dundee, funders and local partners to strengthen the future of the museum.

Councillor Mark Flynn, Leader of Dundee City Council, and Blair Thomson from the Northwood Charitable Trust visited the castle alongside Anna Day, Head of Culture and Libraries at Leisure and Culture Dundee, to mark the investment.

Anna Day said the funding would allow the organisation to plan ahead with confidence while continuing to develop the castle as a visitor attraction.

She said the support from Dundee City Council and the Northwood Charitable Trust would help safeguard an important cultural site for the city and the surrounding community.

Councillor Mark Flynn said the agreement means residents, families and visitors will continue to enjoy the museum’s exhibitions, stories and views over the River Tay while discussions continue about the long-term future of the castle.

Blair Thomson added that the partnership provides certainty for partners and supporters to plan for the coming years while strengthening the castle’s role as a cultural anchor for Broughty Ferry.

Historic Environment Scotland, which cares for the fabric of the castle, also welcomed the announcement.

The organisation said it was pleased a viable solution had been found that will allow the museum to continue operating and give visitors the chance to experience an important part of Dundee’s history.

The funding decision follows strong local support for the site, including the “Support Your Castle” campaign led by the Broughty Ferry Traders Association and the Friends of Broughty Castle charity.

The campaign highlighted the importance of the castle to the community while helping to promote events, fundraising and new activities at the landmark.

Recent developments at the site have included the introduction of markets across the summer months and the approval of a new sauna experience within the castle grounds.

The castle also marked the 200th anniversary of Dundee artist James Guthrie Orchar during the 2025 season, celebrating an important part of the city’s artistic heritage.

Broughty Castle continues to attract strong visitor numbers, welcoming 28,748 people during the 2025 season despite a reduced weekly opening schedule.

The 15th century fortress, which has stood at the mouth of the River Tay since 1496, now operates as a museum exploring the maritime, military and social history of the area.

The museum remains free to visit and is set to reopen for the 2026 season on 1 April.