A heritage project which revived the historic stables building at Cambo House near St Andrews has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Lady Catherine Erskine of the Cambo Heritage Trust has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place (for projects under £2million)’ award in the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards.
Launched in 2014 and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (ALWF), and run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Archaeology Scotland, the awards celebrate both groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote, protect and, in many cases, rescue Scotland’s heritage.
Lady Catherine will join the other finalists at the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards ceremony on Monday October 22 – taking place this year at Glasgow City Chambers – where the eventual winners will be crowned.
Susan O’Connor, director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said: “It’s an annual highlight for us here – there’s nothing we enjoy more than finding out what people having been achieving in heritage in the past year.
“It really is inspiring to see such a diverse range of projects from all over Scotland come forward, I’m delighted we have this opportunity to recognise the passion, dedication and sheer hard-work invested by individuals and communities who work tirelessly to protect and promote our history and heritage.”
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The category B-listed stables were turned into a community hub, hosting a range of events and learning workshops for visitors to the site. It will be up against the Dunoon Burgh Hall project, which was also turned into a community arts hub, and the Japanese Garden at Cowden Castle in its category.
Elsewhere in Courier country, the 1,2 History Crew at Arbroath Academy is up for the ‘Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by a Young Person’ gong. The group of S1 and S2 pupils researched their local area to create the Arbroath Abbey Trail, which will help other young people learn more about the area’s rich heritage.
The panel of judges who will determine the winners includes representatives from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Young Scot, joined by a variety of well-seasoned experts in the heritage field.
Alex Paterson, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “This shortlist reflects the valuable work being undertaken all over the country to care for our historic environment, often by groups and individuals who volunteer their time.
“During this Year of Young People, it is particularly heartening to see so many young people involved in heritage projects.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose charitable foundation helped establish the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards, said: “The Angel Awards shine a light on the special individuals and groups who tackle difficult historic buildings and sites at risk and inspire others to get involved.
“I applaud everyone who enters the Angel Awards and showcases the marvellous work they are doing to rescue and sustain our heritage.”
