Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ honoured at Glasgow ceremony

Heritage projects from across Scotland are toasting success today (Monday 22 October) as the winners of the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2018 were revealed.

Hosted by broadcaster and writer Sally Magnusson at the City Chambers in Glasgow, the ceremony saw winning projects in each of the five award categories crowned in a celebration of the groups, individuals, volunteers and professionals who have played a special part in caring for the nation’s historic environment.

Scooping the awards for Best Rescue of a Historic Building or Place (under £2m and over £2m respectively) were the project to rescue Dunoon Burgh Halls, which reopened in June 2017 as a community arts hub following major refurbishment, and Campbeltown Community Business Ltd, who led the project to restore the category A listed Campbeltown Picture House.

The 1,2 History Crew from Arbroath Academy topped the Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People category, for their project to research the history of their local area to create the Arbroath Abbey Trail, which will help other young people learn about the rich heritage of Arbroath.

The Best Craftsmanship or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project was won by Graham Campbell and Alan Cormie, for their work to develop Elgin Conservation Training Centre into a nationally recognised centre of excellence. Graham and Alan have tutored dozens of apprentice stonemason across Scotland, UK and the rest of world.

The Kirkmichael Trust saw off competition to take the award for Best Heritage Research, Interpretation or Recording for the rescue and display of ornate medieval stone crosses of Kirkmichael and nearby Cullicudden. The Trust worked to conserve the stones to enable them to be exhibited, saving a priceless piece of local heritage for the community.

Susan O’Connor, Director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said:

This year’s Heritage Angel Awards have offered us the opportunity to recognise a fantastic range of heritage projects from all across the country.

“In their comments, the judges commended the innovation, perseverance, dedication and vision of those involved in these projects, and they all deserve huge praise for their achievements.

“I’d like to again congratulate all of this year’s shortlisted projects, and in particular our worthy winners.”

Launched in 2014 and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (ALWF), and run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Archaeology Scotland, the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards seek to celebrate both groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote, protect and, in many cases, rescue Scotland’s heritage.

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said:

“I’d like to congratulate all of the projects that made the shortlist for this year’s Heritage Angel Awards, and to our eventual winners.

It is always a privilege to hear first-hand the passion and expertise of those who have dedicated so much time and energy to caring for Scotland’s heritage, and the positive impact these projects make on their local communities.

“I hope that these stories will inspire even more people to get engaged with the historic environment and involved in heritage projects.”

The awards in Scotland are aligned with Angel Awards in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. This year’s successful Scottish projects will now go on to be considered for the prize of overall winner alongside their English, Irish and Welsh counterparts at the London ceremony on 27 November.

Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2018 winners

1. Best Rescue of an Historic Building or Place (For projects under £2m)

Dunoon Burgh Hall Project - for the rescue of Dunoon Burgh Halls. Following major refurbishment, the category B listed building re-opened in June 2017 as a community arts hub.

2. Best Major Regeneration of an Historic Building or Place (For projects in excess of £2m)

Campbeltown Community Business Ltd – for the restoration project of the category A listed Campbeltown Picture House. The project has seen the historic cinema’s Art Nouveau façade restored alongside upgraded state-of-the-art visitor facilities, as well as a programme of heritage activities hosted at the site.

3. Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People

The 1,2 History Crew, an after school club supported by the Youth Work Team in Arbroath, researched the history of their local area to create the Arbroath Abbey Trail, which will help other young people learn about the rich heritage of Arbroath.

4. Best Craftsperson or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project

Graham Campbell and Alan Cormie, Elgin Conservation Centre - for their work to develop Elgin Conservation Training Centre into a nationally recognised centre of excellence. Graham and Alan have tutored dozens of apprentice stonemason across Scotland, UK and the rest of world, and have helped the Centre at Elgin win the accolade of best UK college from British Skill Build two years in a row.

5. Best Heritage Research, Interpretation or Recording

The Kirkmichael Trust - for the rescue and display of ornate medieval stone crosses of Kirkmichael and nearby Cullicudden. The Trust worked to conserve the stones to enable them to be exhibited, saving a priceless piece of local heritage for the community.

About the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards

About the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation