Concern over architectural treasures

SOME of Angus’s architectural treasures risk falling into further disrepair due to a funding black hole.

There is no identified budget to carry out repair work to eight buildings and three bridges, which would cost £1.4 million.

Ian Cochrane, the council’s head of property, said: “The risk of not carrying out all or some of the works is that these monuments and structures will deteriorate further and the amount of works and cost of remedial works will increase with time.

“There is also a risk that the bridges may need to be restricted to traffic before funding can be prioritised for these structures.”

The listed buildings identified as requiring repair works are the Mortuary Chapel, Arbroath; Keptie Water Tower, Arbroath; Arbroath Library; Montrose Museum; and Dalhousie Fountain in Brechin.

Roofless churches at Lethnot, Kirkinch and Lower Logie; and Gannochy Bridge; Bridge of Dun; and North Water Bridge are also in need of remedial works.

Work to repair the B-listed Keptie Water Tower and A-listed Mortuary Chapel were listed as “urgent, essential and desirable” in a previous conservation report.

Dr David Mitchell, director of conservation for Historic Environment Scotland, said Angus Council was welcome to apply to its grants scheme to help meet the cost of repairs.