The Mills Observatory in Dundee – the first purpose-built public observatory in Britain – has received further investment to enhance its visitor experience, with new support from Culture & Business Scotland. This latest funding builds on earlier funding support from local aerospace engineering company, STAR-Dundee, and continues the drive to secure the Observatory’s future for generations to come.
Leisure & Culture Dundee (LACD) secured business support from STAR-Dundee, to help sustain core operations and contribute to new activity at Mills Observatory. Their pledge for investment over the next five years recognises the important role the Observatory has played in inspiring interest in space and science across the city.
Culture & Business Scotland has now invested a further £5,000 through its Culture & Business Scotland Fund. This funding will specifically support the redevelopment of the Observatory’s first-floor family area, transforming it into a bright, interactive environment featuring space-themed games, challenges, craft activities, and a new ‘Story of Space’ wall that celebrates Scotland’s place in the space sector and Dundee’s growing role within it.
Anna Day, Head of Cultural Services and Libraries at Leisure & Culture Dundee, said:
“The Observatory has long been a spark for imagination, science, and creativity. We have seen visitor numbers double in just the last year and with this new support, we can continue inspiring visitors of all ages while celebrating Dundee’s role in exploring the stars.
David Nelson, Interim Director at Culture & Business Scotland, added:
“We’re proud to support the historic Mills Observatory and to play a part in reimagining a much-loved space for future generations. Through collaboration, we can help culture to thrive and continue to spark imagination, learning and opportunity.”
Through the funding, developments to the Mills Observatory will take place throughout 2025 and reopen to the public later this year on 1st October.
Supported by the Scottish Government, the C&BS Fund aims to encourage collaboration between business and culture by enabling not-for-profit organisations to give their business sponsors additional rights or benefits, helping to enhance the impact and reach of the sponsorship and cultural activity.
The partnership was also highlighted on the same day at a business breakfast hosted by Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce at V&A Dundee. The event brought together more than 60 business and cultural leaders for networking and a preview of the Garden Futures: Designing with Nature exhibition. Culture & Business Scotland took part as guest contributors, speaking alongside Dr Stuart Mills, Anna Day, and Sam Edmond, Head of Partnerships from V&A Dundee. The event provided a platform to showcase the strength of culture and business collaboration across the city.
Photo taken at Mills Observatory to mark the partnership. L-R: David Nelson (Culture & Business Scotland), Dr Stuart Mills (CEO, STAR-Dundee), Anna Day (Leisure & Culture Dundee).
