Landmark is back to its former glory
Stirling’s historic Cowane’s Hospital, before and after restoration, can be seen in photographs taken from the adjacent Church of the Holy Rude.
The photographs of the 17th century building from the neighbouring vantage point were taken by architecture photographer Colin Mclean who is based in Peebles.
The £800,000 phase one programme of renovation works, which focused on the A-listed building’s external fabric, took 17 months to carry out and was completed in August.
Phase two, estimated to cost an additional £800,000, which involves upgrading the interior infrastructure of the building, including plumbing, electrics and heating – as well as a new kitchen – started in September and is expected to be completed this February.
The phase one work had included the repair of the roof, harling and lime washing the external walls, stone and stained glass window repairs, as well as restoring the distinctive statue of ‘Auld Staneybreeks’ John Cowane which stands above the doorway.
Chairperson of the Patrons of Cowane’s Hospital Trust and Stirling Council Provost Christine Simpson said last week: “The patrons are very pleased to see the progress that has been made in restoring this iconic historic building to its former glory. We congratulate everyone who has been involved in this work including our own project officer Sandra Mcginley who has coordinated the restoration.”
Grant assistance for phase one came from Historic Environment Scotland’s repair grant programme (£321,985), Stirling Council (£100,000), the Wolfson Foundation (£30,000) and the Pilgrim Trust (£30,000). The Patrons of Cowane’s Hospital Trust provided the outstanding amount from their own funds.
The patrons are currently examining grant assistance for the phase two work. At the moment they have a grant of £7,500 from Stirling City Heritage Trust.
The phase one repairs were carried out by
Laing Traditional Masonry Limited and the design team was led by Benjamin Tindall Architects. Assistance ‘in kind’ was also given by the HES Engine Shed in Stirling and architectural joiner Andrew Miller.
Once phase two is complete the patrons hope to have the building available for use in spring, coronavirus restrictions permitting.