THE Falkland Islands Government has approved a support measure of £500,000 for the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust to bring forward the build programme for the Lookout Gallery and Exhibition Hall.

The government says the loan has been approved both in light of the impact of the global pandemic on the tourism sector as well as to enable the building to be ready for the 40^th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands.

Director of the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust, Andrea Barlow, said: “We are thrilled that this support has been approved so that we can continue with the progress on our current project. The Lookout Gallery and Exhibition Hall will enable us to preserve and protect further items of historic importance and interest that are too large to be housed within our dockyard premises and provide the community with a new cultural asset which can be enjoyed by people for years to come.”

Education and Community portfolio holder, Member of Legislative Assembly Stacy Bragger, added: “The Museum and National Trust is a vital organisation that works extremely hard to preserve our heritage and to educate both visitors and residents on our unique and fascinating history. I am pleased that this support has been approved by ExCo and know that this will help to keep the project on track. I really look forward to exploring the new space when it is complete.”

Picture – MLA Roger Edwards and Mrs Norma Edwards at the Historic Dockyard Museum