Local MSP Craig Hoy has visited the Henry Duncan Savings Bank Museum near Annan to learn more about Dumfriesshire’s role in shaping modern savings and banking.
Moffat-based Mr Hoy, who is the Scottish Conservative candidate for Dumfriesshire, spent time at the museum learning about the life and legacy of Henry Duncan, whose pioneering work laid the foundations for savings banks across the UK and beyond.
He also heard how the museum developed at its current site and the role it plays in preserving local financial history and the history of the local newspaper industry.
The museum tells the story of the Reverend Henry Duncan who set up the world’s first savings bank in 1810, revolutionising the world’s banking system, doing so from a grain store in rural Dumfriesshire.
Rev. Duncan also founded the very first two newspapers in Dumfries and Galloway – The Courier and The Dumfries and Galloway Standard and the museum offers insight into this through its working printing press.
Speaking after the visit, Mr Hoy said: “I am pleased to visit the Savings Bank Museum to learn more about the fascinating history of Henry Duncan and how his model shapes the modern savings banks.
“Mhairi, the museum manager, and the team have done a fabulous job curating the exhibits, some of which are hands on, they are engaging and it is a great place to come and learn. Visitors and locals alike who have not been should consider visiting to learn about the importance of the life of Dumfriesshire local Henry Duncan.”
Mr Hoy said the visit also underlined the importance of protecting and promoting tourism across Dumfries and Galloway.
He added: “Tourism is so vital to this area, and I will continue to push the Scottish Government and the council to support tourism however they can, and that includes pausing potentially damaging schemes like the visitor levy which is potentially devastating.
“We need visitors to come and spend time and money in the region, and I am pleased that there are boutique attractions like the Henry Duncan Savings Bank Museum helping to attract visitors.”
