Left: Michael McGinnes, Smith Collections Manager and Right: newly crowned Volunteer of the Year Bob Taggart alongside the new Stirling Smith sign, a project managed by Bob the builder himself.
Nestled in the shadow of the imposing Stirling Castle, the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum requires only the most robust of volunteers to match up to its dramatic location.
When former structural engineer Bob Taggart arrived at the institution he certainly fitted the bill, was dubbed 'Bob the builder', and has now been named Volunteer of the Year.
Through Stirling Volunteer Centre's Open Door Project, Bob began working at the Stirling Smith almost a year ago and has since contributed a huge amount of time and energy, using his extensive knowledge to make an enormous difference.
However, despite his retirement, Bob has now left the institution to take up a full time paid job. But he leaves behind him a rich legacy.
“Bob has improved the quality of our working spaces beyond measure, as well as adding to the displays at the Smith,” explained Michael McGinnes, Smith Collections Manager. “We will miss him.”
From refurbishing 1930s cinema seats and organising a new museum sign, to building a Tardis for last year's Dr Who exhibition, staff at the Stirling Smith have said that some of Bob's work will last for a century.
Right: installing cinema seats - can he fix it? Of course he can.
“I am not surprised that Bob is going back to full-time paid employment,” added Stirling Smith Director, Elspeth King.
“We have been exceptionally lucky to have him here. I am grateful to both him and Stirling Volunteer Centre for making it possible.”
Paid for by the Community Fund, the Open Door Project operates out of the Stirling Volunteer Centre, providing the training and support needed to help people, including those with long term mental health issues to get into volunteering.
Project Co-ordinator Jacqueline Walsh told the 24 Hour Museum how Open Door has helped volunteers to get involved in everything from gardening to children's playgroups.
“If somebody comes to us and wants to volunteer for something we'll do our best to get them into that,” she explained. “Bob came along to the Centre and was looking for something to do to fill his time.”
“He's obviously very happy to have got a job and it's great when somebody has achieved whatever they're own goal is. It's great when you hear a success story like that.”
