Source : Jimmy Moorhouse (News & Star)
Solway Aviation Museum has officially been named the top-rated visitor attraction in Carlisle following a rigorous 50-point inspection.
ThreeBestRated has ranked the best places to visit in the border city, based on a strict inspection which includes local reviews, history, business standards, ratings, satisfaction, trust, price, and trading excellence.
Solway Aviation Museum, also named Museum of the Year earlier this year, sits in the number one spot despite being entirely run by volunteers.
The museum, which first opened in 1988, allows visitors to see more than 20 historic aircraft up close.
According to chairman Dougie Kerr winning the award was a well-deserved surprise for all the volunteers who dedicate their time to the museum.
We’re not like other museums, we like people to touch things and climb into things. The people like that
Dougie Kerr
He said: “It was 50 different things which we were judged on so to win is a great thing for a volunteer group to do. It’s really the volunteers that have made this happen.
“We’re going to have to get a bigger wall for all these awards and certificates. Maybe even a trophy cabinet. We’ve had to work really hard to get where we are.”
Dougie also feels that Solway’s different attitude to other museums is what sets it apart.
He said: “We’re not like other museums, we like people to touch things and climb into things. The people like that. We’re getting more and more visitors so might be able to afford platforms for people to climb into the aircraft soon.”
The spirit and friendship amongst the volunteer workers is also something that Dougie is very proud of.
He said: “We’re not young, a lot of us are retired. A lot of the volunteers, they’ve come to us because they have to get out of the house to keep their mental health going. They come to us for friendship and help, which is great.
“We’re here to help everyone. We teach each other different skills because there are different skill sets that come to the museum, which is really good.”
Although the award was something of a surprise to Dougie given the array of hotspots in Carlisle, he says he hopes to ‘keep them coming.’