Can you help out?
Open day for volunteers
A volunteer open day will take place at Bannockburn House this weekend.
The doors to the historic grade-A listed building will swing open to anyone wishing to help out with a variety of tasks both at the house and in the community from 11am to 2pm on Saturday.
The trust responsible for ambitious plans to purchase and redevelop the 17th century mansion hope that around 30 to 50 new faces will show up at the house eager to lend a hand.
They say there will be an opportunity to meet some of the volunteers currently involved in the project while hearing about new opportunities to help out.
Trust member Iain McMenemy says they are looking for assistance with a number of tasks – from gardening work and maintenance at the site to fundraising and spreading word about the plans.
He said: “We’ve held a number of consultations and found that many people have told us they are wanting to get involved as a volunteer.
“The plan is just to get everyone together, provide a little bit of background information and then discuss new ideas and opportunities. If anyone wants to come along and hear about what is going on they are welcome to do so.
“There’s a whole array of work we’re looking to do. There’s some help with cleaning, light maintenance and gardening along with spreading the message through leaflets and posters and organising fundraisers. Word-ofmouth is an important thing for us.”
Anyone wishing to go along should meet at the nearby Corbiewood car park shortly before 11am and transport will be provided to the house. Those who use a wheelchair should contact penny@ bannockburnhouse.scot.
The Bannockburn House Trust are currently embarking on a Crowdfunding appeal to raise £250,000 in order to complete their £800,000 purchase of the house.
And Mr McMenemy insists they are making positive strides in their bid to attract extra cash – as they have made contact with a group who distribute information to Scots living in America.
He added: “We have connected with COSCA [Council of Scottish Clans and Associations] and we have written an article for their newsletter. We’re looking forward to getting word out there.
“We’re still at the early stages but we’re looking to really kickstart the crowdfunding now.”
Mr McMenemy told the Observer last month that the Trust were looking to target the 10 million-plus people living in America of Scottish descent.