Hill House Engagement Project urges locals to get involved

The 'Hill House Engagement Project' began in January and is looking at how the Charles Rennie Mackintosh building can attract more Helensburgh residents to visit.

As reported previously by the Advertiser, the house will be closed between April 29 and May 3 to allow experts to closely examine how well the huge steel 'Box' around the Hill House has helped the building dry out after more than 100 years of exposure to the rain and the salty sea air of Helensburgh.

Community engagement officer Poppy Jo Perrin says she wants to hear from anyone living in Helensburgh who doesn't feel interested enough in the Hill House to visit it, or who would like to but feels there are obstacles in their way.

She said: “I’m thinking about different ways to engage people that are people-led and I’m focusing on the NHS’s Five Steps to Wellbeing.

“We’re looking to do more working with local charities and making local partnerships.”

The NHS’ five steps to wellbeing include connecting with other people, being physically active, learning new skills, giving to others, and being mindful.

Poppy also said she will be looking into ways of improving transport links to make the Hill House more accessible.

She spoke about the project at a meeting of Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) on April 25.

HCC secretary Sarah Davies, who is one of the volunteers at the Hill House, told the meeting: "I’m really surprised at the amount of people from Helensburgh who have never been to the Hill House because it’s a really wonderful place.”

Poppy is based at the Hill House for the 12-month duration of the project and has invited anyone who can contribute to or inform the research to come along and chat with her.

The project is being financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Although the house itself will be closed to the public from April 29 to May 3, the cafe, gardens and walkways around the 'Box' are still open.