A £1.6m fundraising campaign to Save Hall of Clestrain, birthplace of Arctic explorer and ‘Great Scot’ John Rae, will be officially launched by the John Rae Society at a special public event on Monday, December 16 at The Old Library in Kirkwall.
Society Chair Cheryl Chapman explained:
“We have a small window of opportunity to make this nationally significant Category A Listed building on the Buildings at Risk Register wind and watertight and save it from the elements. It is vital we focus on raising the funds in the next year to preserve this important heritage for future generations and we need Orkney’s help to do so.”
The Society has been working with Simpson and Brown Architects and Historic Environment Scotland to create an urgent repairs conservation project to reinstate the Orkney slate roof, repair and replace interior timbers to strengthen the building, repair the exterior walls and apply a new coat of lime harl, reinstate all exterior ironwork, install window grilles to dry out the building, and provide temporary power, safe access and lighting.
“The works will re-establish the Hall as a visible landmark and will make it ready for the next stage – to faithfully restore it as the fine Georgian building it was in its 18-19th century heyday,” explained Cheryl Chapman.
Other works included in the £2.2m project are a new access road that will allow heavy machinery to get to the building and the reinstatement of the pediment that was part of the original Palladian style building.
Cheryl Chapman said:
“The excellent news is that £500k has already been earmarked for the project by Historic Environment Scotland who recognise the historical and architectural significance of the building. We have raised a further £25k from The Barr Trust, £10k from The Headley Trust and more than £50k towards the road from public donations, for which we are so grateful.
“We believe we can raise the remaining £1.6m to save this significant heritage through the support of other trusts and foundations, businesses, society members and the public.”
At the event on Dec 16, there will be the opportunity to hear more detail about the plans and how you can help. There will also be a fundraising auction led by local auctioneering legend John Copland, along with musical entertainment, nibbles and a few drams, with support from Highland Park, Orkney Distilling and Orkney Brewery.
The event starts at 6.45pm and everybody is welcome.
Leave a Reply