A MULTI-MILLION pound appeal to help save the jewel in Helensburgh's visitor crown has been officially launched.
The National Trust for Scotland's Hill House Appeal, revealed exclusively in the Helensburgh Advertiser last month but officially launched on Friday, aims to raise £1.5 million in donations from the public to add to the £3m already secured for the Hill House conservation project.
The NTS plans to build a 'box' – a metal-framed structure with a solid roof and a metal mesh around the sides – to protect the property, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, from the wind and rain, allowing it to dry out while the Trust develops plans for the long-term conservation of the building.
Walkways will also be erected around the inside of the structure, allowing visitors to the Hill House elevated views of the outside of the building – and of the River
It hopes to raise the outstanding £1.5m by the spring and to start assembling the box in June.
Richard Williams, General Manager for Glasgow and West at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “This is one of the most urgent and important appeals in our history. We have very limited time to get the box in place around the Hill House and start the process of drying the building out.
“It’s imperative that we secure the funds as soon as possible, to begin construction and protect the building from further degradation.
"The box shelter will also allow visitors to see the building from a completely new perspective, with walkways and an opportunity to get to rooftop level.
“We’re very grateful to CYBG for its generous support of the campaign with this unique and fitting donation, and hope that everyone with a love of Mackintosh’s work and Scotland’s architectural heritage will join the bank in making a contribution.”
This weekend, every National Trust for Scotland member will receive a letter asking them to support the appeal, the first time the conservation charity has rallied its entire membership for a single project.
Anyone can back the appeal and donations can be made to save the Hill House at the Trust’s campaign page at www.nts.org.uk/Campaign/Help-us-save-the-Hill-House
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