Latest news with #SHBT
The National
23-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Bid to save run-down studio in Scottish Borders of renowned designer
Bernat Klein, the Serbian-born designer who died in 2014, collaborated with major European fashion houses such as Dior. Nestled beside the A707 between Galashiels and Selkirk, the Category-A Listed Bernat Klein Studio is a striking piece of late Modernist architecture by Peter Womersley, built in 1972 as a creative hub for Klein. The building's owners have put the studio up for auction at a bargain price of £18,000. READ MORE: More than 100 jobs lost as IT firm enters administration as legal challenge launched Now Scottish Heritage Building Trust (SHT) has joined forces with the National Trust Scotland and the Bernat Klein Foundation, with support from The National Lottery [[Heritage]] Fund Scotland, in a bid to save the building from ruin and bring it back into public and community use. The venture has also garnered the support of Scottish Borders Council. A spokesperson for SHBT said: 'Our organisations have been working behind the scenes for several years to try to find a way forward for one of Scotland's most important twentieth-century buildings. 'Now, with the Category A-Listed studio set to be sold by public auction at the end of the month, we have launched a coalition project aimed at purchasing and restoring the building alongside a programme of public engagement. 'The first priority is to secure ownership of the property and prevent further deterioration. We are delighted that support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund gives the coalition the confidence to back a competitive bid for the building and have a plan for much-needed emergency repairs. 'To give us the best chance of success in acquiring the building at auction, SHBT is launching an urgent fundraising appeal to raise as much support as possible. 'It is estimated the full cost of restoration undertaken by specialists could exceed £2.5 – £3 million. If successful in purchasing the building, SHBT will oversee the delivery of a repair and restoration project working with the National Trust for Scotland and a range of conservation and architectural specialists. 'Once complete, it is intended the building will provide a permanent base in the Scottish Borders for the Bernat Klein Foundation as a new venue to inspire creative arts in the Scottish Borders.' Conceived as both a working studio and exhibition space, it celebrated the intersection of industrial craftsmanship and artistic vision. It is a two‑storey concrete and brick structure with powerful horizontal cantilevers, wide frameless glazing, and a brick-clad central service core – housing stairs, kitchen, and toilets – to free up the perimeter for workspaces and storage. Influenced by Wright's Fallingwater and Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, it has been described as a 'modernist masterpiece of structural elegance integrated into its wooded landscape' but has been in a state of decline for more than 20 years. David Robertson, chief executive, Scottish Borders Council, said: 'Peter Womersley's Bernat Klein Studio is a proud part of our architectural heritage in the Scottish Borders. 'We are fortunate to have so many of his buildings in our area. Given this importance, we have been encouraging a sustainable long-term solution for Womersley's Bernat Klein Studio, located between Selkirk and Galashiels, for some time. (Image: Phil Wilkinson) 'We are delighted to support this coalition of heritage and arts bodies who offer an exciting future for this building which will strengthen not only our local heritage but provide new creative and economic opportunities for our region.' Donations and pledges of support for the campaign to acquire and restore Bernat Klein Studio can also be made directly to Scottish Historic Buildings Trust through Millie Leadbetter-Wilcock, millie@ 0131 220 1232. The property is being auctioned by Savills.
Edinburgh Reporter
12-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Securing the future of Leith Custom House
Custom House in Leith has a secure future thanks to a partnership between Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) and Leith Civic Trust. The proposal is to create a town square for the 21st Century, a community space with Scotland's first fully digital museum, all intended to celebrate Leith's unique culture and heritage. SHBT will now adopt the Leith Civic Trust as the future operator of the museum, marking a new chapter for the trust which has worked for the last two decades and more to champion Leith's history. The cooperation will mean that SHBT will offer support to the trust in growing its membership and recruiting new trustees. An event was held on Friday when the new partnership was celebrated, and other organisations invited to join in the fundraising and development phase. Cllr Jane Meagher, Leader of The City of Edinburgh Council said: 'The City of Edinburgh Council is delighted to support Leith Custom House which will benefit both the local community and Leith's economy as a major destination in its own right. 'When we bought this building with the city's Common Good Fund over a decade ago, we could not have hoped for such an exciting concept as is being proposed. There's widespread enthusiasm for the project, which would bring pride to the local area and an important new visitor attraction on the Shore. 'With these new partnerships and the project's strong candidacy to benefit from Edinburgh's Visitor Levy, we feel the time is right to unlock the potential of Leith Custom House.' Maggie Wright, Chair, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said: 'We are thrilled to be partnering with Leith Civic Trust to help us realise the long-held community desire for a museum for Leith. The ambition has always been for this museum to be managed by the community through a community-led charitable trust who would ensure that the museum responds to local needs and aspirations, Leith Civic Trust will help us realise this goal together. 'This project has been a long-time in development, but following the agreement last year with Edinburgh Museums & Galleries, we are delighted that the project now has real momentum' Cron Mackay, President, Leith Civic Trust, said: 'Since our foundation in 1968, Leith Civic Trust has been dedicated to preserving and championing the beauty, history and character of Leith. Leith has a wealth of distinctive stories to tell, and we are delighted that the new museum at Custom House will be a space where all Leithers, old and new, can see themselves represented. We look forward to welcoming new Members as we embark on this exciting journey together with SHBT and encourage anyone who may be interested in being involved to get in touch.' All those who would like to be involved are invited to register their interest by signing up on the SHBT website: The Custom House, Leith is the oldest Custom House in Scotland, designed by Robert Reid in a neo-classical style, it was constructed between 1810-12 and had later alterations in 1825 by William Burn. It is a place where people have arrived and departed over the centuries including significant historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and George IV. All photos Jason Baxter Media Like this: Like Related
