A FRESH chapter in the history of the Chambers Institution in Peebles began last weekend (NOV 3/4) with the official opening of the John Buchan Story Museum.
More than three years in the planning, the museum, dedicated to the life of one of Scotland’s most distinguished sons, opened its doors to showcase the life of Buchan (1875-1940), his family connections in Peebles and, of course, his literary story.
Buchan, who wrote The Thirty-Nine Steps, was also an MP and intelligence officer before becoming Governor General of Canada.
The museum was opened by Gordon Campbell, High Commissioner of Canada, who was welcomed to the town by the Lord Lieutenant, Captain David Younger. The Duke of Buccleuch was also in attendance with a good number of the Buchan family, including Lord Tweedsmuir.
“The opening was a great success,” said Ian Buckingham, chairman of the museum committee, “with very positive comments about the design and layout of the Buchan collection in its new home.
“This will be a definite asset to the tourist trail in Peebles and assists the work of the Chambers Institution Trust in further developing the cultural heritage of the town. We are already planning several literary events and establishing links with similar tourist attractions throughout the Borders.”
The museum is open each day from 1-4pm until December 6, with an event planned for the evening of the Christmas lights switch-on before it closes for the winter. It reopens from the 2013 Easter weekend until the end of October.