Fetlar’s Brough Lodge to get £97,000 towards renovations
The Brough Lodge restoration project in Fetlar has received another funding boost. Historic Scotland has pledged £97,000 to further repair the antiquated building after cracks were found in its structure.
The national body had already provided funding alongside the Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Amenity Trust to the tune of £417,000 to kick off the project’s initial phase, which aimed to make the building wind and watertight, as well as restoring the original appearance.
However, movement cracking was later discovered in the lodge and Historic Scotland have come forward with the funds to cover repairs.
It is believed the first phase of the restoration will be completed by the end of the year having begun almost two years ago, with the overall cost of the project estimated at £2.8m.
The Brough Lodge Trust hopes that the latest developments will attract sponsorship from public agencies and the private sector to help fund the rest of the work that is needed to restore the large building, which was built in 1825.
They have suggested the Fetlar building could host heritage workshops and exhibitions in the future and ultimately become part of Shetland’s tourism circuit.
Trust chairman and project manager Pierre Cambillard also called on local businesses and individuals to donate funds to the project.
“I am delighted that we have received such strong commitment from Historic Scotland, in recognition of the project’s potential benefit to Shetland’s future,” he said.
“I believe that, despite the recession, it will be possible to secure financial support for the original plan to restore the site as a residential heritage centre.
“In the meantime, however, we would be delighted to receive donations from local people and Shetland businesses to help with the next step. I’m confident that investing in Shetland’s heritage in this way will benefit the whole community.
“In restoring assets of this kind, we don’t just preserve the past; we also increase the attractiveness of our islands to visitors and help preserve or develop local skills, which is essential if the economy is to be diverse and prosperous.”
Mike Goldsmith
Well done to the trust and to Pierre! We are so glad that more funding has been agreed for this worthwhile project.
Mike & Sue (Houll, Fetlar)
Wayne Conroy
Another £97,000 wasted on a derelict building and a monument to the past suffering of many local families. That’s half a million pounds spent so far! All this in a time when the young, vulnerable, disabled and elderly are all suffering cuts to vital lifeline services because of lack of funds.
Worthwhile project? I guess that’s one way of putting it… Wasting millions of pounds restoring a ruin is another point of view.
Witold Miedzybrodzki
Better to demolish this monument to a nasty Fetlar landowner and spend the money bringing people back to the island. This would do a little to right the wrongs done during the Fetlar Clearances.