Historic Scottish Castle to Host European Animation Art Gallery

LONDON, UK – February 20, 2026 – In a striking fusion of medieval history and modern art, Scotland's 14th-century Fernie Castle is set to become the home of a new European gallery dedicated to the art of animation. MD Local Global Limited (MDLG), the UK subsidiary of MDJM LTD (NASDAQ: UOKA), announced today it has entered into a strategic partnership with the Paris-based creative studio H5 S.A.R.L. to spearhead the artistic and curatorial development of the planned Fernie Castle Animation Art Gallery.

The deal memo, signed on February 20, appoints H5 as the official curator for the ambitious project. This collaboration aims to transform the historic Fife landmark into a premier cultural destination, blending its centuries-old architecture with the dynamic world of contemporary animation.

From Fortress to Film Art

Fernie Castle, with a history stretching back to the 14th century and ties to the MacDuff Earls of Fife and the Jacobite Rebellion, has operated for the last several decades as a popular hotel and wedding venue. Its acquisition by MDLG in June 2023 marked the first major step in a new strategic direction for its parent company. Now, the stone walls that once served as a fortress will house a very different kind of creation.

The vision outlined by the partners is to create a "distinctive European platform dedicated to animation as an art form." According to the announcement, the gallery intends to "integrate heritage architecture with contemporary animation culture." This will be achieved through a diverse program of exhibitions, film screenings, educational initiatives, and artist residencies.

This development aligns with local and national strategies to bolster Scotland's cultural tourism sector. Fife Council has an active economic strategy to increase visitor numbers and spending in the region, while the Scottish Government continues to invest heavily in arts and heritage. By creating a unique attraction that respects the site's history while introducing an innovative artistic focus, the project hopes to draw a new wave of international and domestic tourists to the area, moving beyond the traditional castle tour experience.

A Bold Bet on Cultural IP

The project represents a significant and high-stakes pivot for MDJM LTD, a company that recently shifted its focus from Chinese real estate to a global cultural strategy. The company's ticker symbol changed from MDJH to UOKA in December 2024 to reflect a new mission inspired by the Eastern philosophical concept of 'Unity of Knowledge and Action'.

This philosophical shift is backed by a challenging financial reality. Despite raising approximately $6.0 million in a recent public offering, the company's stock has seen extreme volatility and a significant decline of over 90% in the past year. MDJM reported a net loss of $1.71 million over the last twelve months, making its investment in a large-scale cultural venue a daring gamble. The company is betting that cultural assets and intellectual property can provide a more stable and profitable path forward.

The Fernie Castle gallery is the cornerstone of MDLG's stated mission to build a "global cultural ecosystem built on storytelling and immersive experience." While MDLG will finance and oversee the physical production of the gallery, the success of its artistic vision will rest heavily on the expertise of its new partner, H5.

Curating a New Artistic Canon

The appointment of H5, a Parisian creative studio, brings a European artistic sensibility to the project. Under the agreement, H5 will be responsible for crafting the gallery's entire conceptual framework, from its overarching narrative and artistic positioning to the design of the permanent collection and the creation of its all-important inaugural exhibition. This partnership builds on a previous collaboration between MDLG and H5 for the development of an animated short film, indicating a deepening creative relationship.

The ambition is to elevate animation's status, presenting it not merely as entertainment but as a serious and celebrated art form. While Europe has numerous film museums, dedicated high-profile galleries for animation art are less common, presenting a unique market opportunity. The potential for such a venue is exemplified by institutions like the Ghibli Museum in Japan, which has attracted millions of visitors and demonstrates a powerful global appetite for curated animation experiences.

The Fernie Castle Animation Art Gallery plans to become a hub for artists and enthusiasts alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft through its interdisciplinary cultural programming. As the project moves from a deal memo to a tangible reality, it carries the hope of establishing a new landmark on the international art map, right in the heart of the Scottish countryside.