THE National Museum of Scotland has responded to a campaign group boycotting their cold war exhibit over links to Israel.
Campaigners with the Gareloch Horties Women’s Peace Group withdrew from The Banners, Ballads and Badges Cold War event due to the institution's relationship with investment fund Ballie Gifford.
Baillie Gifford is an investor in Babcock International, a UK company linked to Israeli arms manufacturers including state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Babcock International’s shares soared during Israel’s war on Gaza.
The same firm was revealed to have given financial backing to an AI weapons start-up founded by a US tech billionaire with links to Donald Trump.
The cancelled event, titled "Banners, Ballads and Badges", was originally scheduled for March 8. It would have been part of the museum’s current flagship exhibition, "Cold War Scotland".
Baillie Gifford helps fund research, conservation and collections care at the National Museums Collection Centre.
A spokesperson for the museum told The National: “We work extremely hard to raise revenue through philanthropy, sponsorship and commercial income, which is essential to enable us to fulfil our public service remit.
“We have a Gift Acceptance Policy agreed and endorsed by our Board of Trustees, and which follows guidance set out by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and the Fundraising Code of Practice.
"In accordance with this policy, and the careful consideration of Baillie Gifford’s position, we continue to accept their support."
Expanding on their relationship with Babcock, a spokesperson for Ballie Gifford told The National that: “[They are] an international business operating in both civil and defence sectors.
“Whilst it’s well known for defence services, Babcock has well-diversified operations, providing civil engineering and support across airports, fire-fighting, education, rail networks, and emergency services.
“We see potential growth from its expertise in nuclear decommissioning projects and building clean power plants as part of the transition away from carbon energy.”
