A former nuclear physicist, Dr Scott was inspired by the collections of the museums which reflect Scots’ scientific achievements, including those of Nobel Laureates Sir James Black and Sir Alexander Fleming. Keen to inspire future generations through the stories of such inventive and entrepreneurial Scots, he has chosen to fund the Discoveries gallery at the heart of the transformed National Museum of Scotland.
Dr Walter Scott explained, “I have been amazed by the ambitious vision to transform the Victorian Royal Museum building and the tremendous progress to date. National Museums is returning to us one of the jewels in Scotland’s architectural crown.
“I am delighted to help make this happen. I am especially pleased to help fund Discoveries: it sits at the heart of the transformation of the museum and tells extraordinary stories of Scottish engagement with the world and its contribution to it. In this way, it epitomises the spirit of the new Museum. That is why I am supporting it and it is my hope that these stories will encourage new generations of Scots to aspire and succeed.”
Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of National Museums Scotland, said, “Dr Walter Scott is a great supporter of our work and our ambitions. We are tremendously grateful for his generous gift which will allow us to fulfil our aspirations for a major gallery in the National Museum of Scotland.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to these new displays when the Museum reopens in summer 2011.”
The £46.4 million project is jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government, with a target of £12.6 million from private sources to be raised for the re-opening in 2011. Dr Walter Scott’s substantial donation means that the Museum now has less than £2 million left to raise in order to reach the target.