New lease of life for neglected home of author John Buchan

C-listed building taken over by mental health charity Mindspace

The birthplace of celebrated Scottish writer John Buchan has been given a new lease of life.

Buchan House, a prominent Perth landmark, has stood empty and neglected for more than a decade.

Now the C-listed villa has been taken over by mental health charity Mindspace, a counselling service and recovery college set up two years ago.

The group said its new York Street home, famous for its link with the 39 Steps author, was ideal for its needs.

Chief executive Jillian Milne said: “We are delighted to have found a building that so nicely accommodates the needs of both services.

“We also believe that exciting new opportunities will evolve from the co-location of personnel to benefit local people.”

During celebrations to mark the launch, Mindspace announced the appointment of its new ambassador, world champion curler Eve Muirhead.

Explaining why the charity was so important, Perth-born Eve, 26, said: “We all have mental health, top athletes are no different.

“We have to deal with the highs and lows associated with performance, the pressures of competition and expectation – both ours and others.”

She added: “I was thrilled to be asked to be an ambassador for Mindspace. Coming from the Perth and Kinross area, I was aware of the great work of Mindspace and how innovative they are in mental health provision.”

Chairwoman Amanda Millar said: “Whilst these are difficult financial times for the sector and for mental health in particular, we believe that our move has brought mental health firmly to the high street with demand for our services growing year on year.

“Eve’s appointment will help to highlight mental health, challenge stigma and encourage people to seek help when they need it.”

During 2014 and 2015, the building was extensively repaired with funding from Perth City Heritage Fund. The work saw the villa converted into offices.

The project was part of a wider scheme to enhance conservation areas of the city, paid for with £750,000 of Historic Scotland funding.

At the opening yesterday are, from left, Alastair Jamieson, Alex Taylor, Andreja Mclean, Douglas Stewart, Alison McKay, chief executive Jillian Milne and chairman Amanda Millar.