Philanthropist's gift stops museums' weekly closure (UK)

COST-CUTTING plans to close museums and galleries in Glasgow have been dropped after a local property developer donated more than quarter of a million to help keep them open.

In February, local officials decided that, as of mid-April, seven of Glasgow's biggest museums and galleries would have to close on Monday, partly as a cost-saving measure and to fund a scheme to give all Glasgow school pupils at least one museum visit and theatre experience every year.

However, it was announced yesterday that Adrian Pocock, 47, the managing director of Scotia Land Ltd, a local property development company, will donate £270,000 to Friends of Glasgow Museums (FoGM), a voluntary body which supplements the museums services.