The new owners of Montrose’s seafront Traill Pavilion are ready to embark on the task of bringing the historic building back to its former glory.
More than a century after the landmark was gifted to the town by brothers John and David Traill, a local hotelier is hoping to push on with plans to restore its position as a promenade attraction.
The proposals include the return of a rooftop terrace enjoyed by post-Victorian visitors at the time of its opening.
The pavilion was sold from the Montrose Common Good account after a town-led bid to secure a community asset transfer fell through last year.
Hillside Hotel owner Norman Braes secured the property following an open market sale, a couple of years after the end of a lease deal, under which it operated as a café.
Mr Braes now plans to restore and re-open the single storey art deco building as a public café, remaining true to its traditions.
“Our plans allow for conversion of new toilets, cafe/restaurant, gift shop, ice-cream and takeaway,” he said.
“Original plans were lodged in March and have only now been dealt with. We may not be able to complete the works this summer,” he added.
A planning submission for the venue says: “The external appearance is in much need of an overhaul due to natural erosion and its current dilapidated state will only worsen until an intervention is made.
“Once the external façade is overhauled the building will return to its full glory and be a great visitor attraction on the Montrose promenade.”
Limited internal alterations are also planned. These will include the installation of a wood-burning stove for the pavilion’s main public area to provide heat for the year-round attraction.
A commemorative plaque marking the Traill brothers’ gift to the town will be relocated to a more prominent position in the building.
Mr Braes said: “The original building had an access stair to the first floor and historical photos show members of the public enjoying the vista from the upper deck.
“Some years ago the staircase was removed with only the void in the upper floor and angled section of roof remaining.
“It is our intention to reinstate this feature to once again allow customers to enjoy the stunning 360 degree panoramic views.”
Ex-pats John and David Traill, who found success south of the border and in Australia, gave thousands of pounds to their home town for local improvements. The pavilion was opened in August 1913, the year after seafront Traill Drive was opened.
It cost £1,000 and thousands of locals turned out to the opening of a building described by a local dignitary of the time as a place where “townspeople could find cover in the case of rain, a cool place from the heat of the sun and a quiet spot from the throng outside”.
