A major funding boost to a Dundee tourist attraction has been described as a “massive helping hand” to those behind the project.
The Verdant Works, a museum detailing the city’s history in the jute industry, has been awarded £500,000 from Scottish Heritage, which brings the prospect of a Dundee city archive one step closer.
Dundee Heritage, the charity that runs the attraction, intends to use the funding to stabilise a building that adjoins the site with the intention of creating a home for the complete history of the city.
Although still some way off the estimated £1.2 million required for the project, Mark Munsie, operations director with Dundee Heritage, said the donation has come as a massive boost.
He told us, “It feels a bit like we’ve won the lottery. There’s a lot of doom and gloom around right now but there’s one happy chappie here. We’re trying to make an archive for the city and this will help us considerably.
“The building needs stabilised and this money will go towards that. To stabilise the building will cost around £1.2 million so we’ve still got a bit to go but this is a huge helping hand.”
Originally built in 1833, the High Mill building is only partly utilised by the Verdant Works museum.RenovationDundee Heritage Trust, in conjunction with Tayside Building Preservation Trust, will hope to complete renovation work and install the archive that Mr Munsie feels will be of great benefit to locals and visitors.
He added, “It’s a long-term project and complements the idea of Dundee being media savvy and educated. There is a huge archive that can be brought together and it’s a good thing for the city.”
Culture and external affairs minister Fiona Hyslop will confirm the funding today as part of a £1.3 million package to help five Scottish projects of historical significance.
Others set to benefit include Lews Castle, Newbattle Abbey College, Balloch Castle and Alexander Scott’s Hospital having been recognised by Historic Scotland’s building repair grants.
Mrs Hyslop said ahead of the formal announcement, “These projects have the potential to benefit their communities either ensuring the buildings continue in their function, like Alexander Scott’s Hospital, or by giving historic buildings a new lease of life.
“Our heritage has very real and tangible benefits that our continued investment is crucial to. Government has had to make some difficult decisions when it comes to funding, but we are committed to playing our part in seeing that worthwhile redevelopments are given the support it deserves.
“Each of these projects will create jobs and contribute locally in the long term. It is imperative that we continue to support this and encourage people to use our historic environment as a catalyst for wider redevelopment.
“Every one is an important landmark and these projects should see them continue to be so for years to come.”