SAS Founder's Archive Locked Away

The extensive archive of Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, the celebrated founder of the Special Air Service (SAS), is currently inaccessible to the public. David McCallion, curator of the War Years Remembered collection, has described the situation as a "complete nightmare." This not-for-profit charity faces a significant hurdle as it has been unable to obtain accreditation as a museum. Consequently, they are ineligible for crucial funding from the Department for Communities (DfC), which stipulates that only accredited museums can apply for its open grant schemes.

Despite receiving advice from departmental officials and the Northern Ireland Museums Council (NIMC) in August 2025 regarding accreditation, the charity's warehouse in Newtownards requires extensive renovations. McCallion highlighted a "chicken and egg" situation, where funding is denied due to a lack of accreditation, while accreditation is difficult to achieve without funds for essential upgrades. The collection, which includes Mayne's SAS uniform, medals, personal journals, and items related to his life as a solicitor and sportsman, is not being properly conserved.

North Down MP Alex Easton has urged the Northern Ireland Secretary to visit the collection, emphasizing its national and international significance. While Ards and North Down Borough Council previously provided £50,000, the ongoing struggle to open the archive and ensure its conservation continues. The NIMC director noted that while they can assist with the accreditation process, the charity must initiate it, and funding is limited to accredited institutions.