Culture Minister Michael Russell has announced £500,000 for repairs to the home of Sir Walter Scott.

Abbotsford House in Melrose is one of four projects to share nearly £1m in Historic Scotland grants alongside Glasgow Art Club, the Royal Hospital Chapel at Gartnavel and 45 North Bridge Street in Hawick.

The Minister said: "Abbotsford is an incredible place to visit, whether you are drawn to it because of its architecture, its gardens or its literary connections.

"It is remarkable to think that visitors have been welcomed here for generations – even before Scott died in 1832 – and the long term repairs programme that the Abbotsford Trust has undertaken will ensure that generations more can come to enjoy and understand just how important it is as part of our nation’s heritage."


Jacquie Wright, Executive Manager, The Abbotsford Trust said: "Sir Walter Scott and his works are a vitally important part of Scotland's cultural heritage so we are delighted with this funding award from Historic Scotland which will help us preserve Scott's beloved Abbotsford home.

"We are currently working to raise the necessary funds to make Abbotsford a world-class visitor attraction and this Historic Scotland grant will enable us to make much-needed repairs that will help us in our quest to preserve the building, lands and contents for the nation."

Glasgow Art Club has been awarded £190,000 for repairs to the building that was at the centre of Glasgow's internationally renowned art scene on its formation in 1893 while the Royal Hospital Chapel will use its award of £261,000 to repair water damage and see it brought back into use as a complementary therapy centre tied to Gartnavel's cancer treatment facilities.

The Minister added: "It is very gratifying when you can see a building given back a purpose by celebrating what it is that makes it architecturally special. Repairing the Chapel and Glasgow Art Club will benefit many people - providing training opportunities in construction, regeneration of the areas they are in, public access and the services they will ultimately provide."

The leaded windows at 45 North Bridge Street will be repaired with the aid of a grant of £12,854 which will see an important feature of the Hawick streetscape retained.

Historic Scotland has invested more than £150m in the historic environment through its grants programme.

(GK/KMcA)