The late Sir Tom Farmer and Lady Anne Farmer established the Foundation in 2002. Sir Tom, one of Scotland’s most celebrated entrepreneurs and philanthropists, was a longtime patron of the campaign for a museum at Custom House, telling the remarkable story of Leith.

Sir Tom Farmer, who passed away last year, has previously spoken of his support for the museum, saying: “The history of Leith is also central to the history of Edinburgh and of Scotland, and deserves a home where its story can be told.

“As someone who has benefited from being born and brought up in Leith, I welcome the widespread support for the current campaign. I hope that local and national government will work with the local community to make the dream of a Leith museum a reality.”

The generous support from the Foundation and the enthusiastic backing from their family adds to the project’s growing momentum. This year, 2026, is set to be an exciting year as the plans for this category A-listed historic building are refined and pilot digitisation projects and exhibitions are delivered, with further pledges to be made for the Leith Custom House project.

The plans for Leith Custom House include a cutting-edge digital museum – the first of its kind in Scotland, attracting UK-wide coverage since its announcement – with immersive educational experiences and spaces for community use, shops, cafes and creative studios. A public consultation saw 78% of respondents backing the plans which were unveiled in 2024, and in 2025 Leith Civic Trust became the designated organisation to run the museum when it is complete in 2031.

A Trustee of the Sir Tom Farmer Foundation said: “Both Sir Tom and Lady Farmer had a very deep connection to Leith and a longstanding belief that its history deserved a permanent home. Custom House fulfilling that role would have pleased them greatly, and we are glad to support a project they championed during their lives.”

Dr Samuel Gallacher, SHBT’s director, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Foundation for supporting this project, and it is particularly meaningful given that Sir Tom and Lady Farmer were both such proud Leithers. They were longstanding supporters of the vision that Custom House could be the place to tell Leith’s extraordinary story.

“The vision for Custom House is that this will be a place everyone in Leith will be proud of and that people from afar will come and visit. A true celebration of community, creativity and the culture of this historic port burgh.”