A charity worker is tackling a 350-mile cycle ride which will end at the Hill House in Helensburgh.
Accountant Struan Mills (37) set off on Friday from Gladstone’s Land, the conservation charity’s Royal Mile townhouse in Edinburgh owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
His journey will take him to ten more of the Trust’s sites across the country, and he is due to arrive tomorrow at the Hill House.
His effort is in aid of the trust’s drive to raise £1.5m for its plan to protect the Charles Rennie Mackintosh masterpiece, which was built in 1904.
During the 150th anniversary of Mackintosh’s birth this year, the National Trust for Scotland is planning to build a ‘box’ around the iconic property whose sandstone structure is dissolving under its cement render.
The box will shield the Hill House from the rain, allowing the building to dry out and for crucial conservation work to take place.
Struan, who has worked with the National Trust for Scotland for six years, said: “I
am really pleased to be playing my part in supporting this important appeal. The Hill House is one of Scotland’s treasures and we want to make sure that it’s protected for everyone.”
The Trust launched its Box the Hill House campaign in February 2018 and has raised £400,000 so far.
Richard Williams, the trust’s general manager for Glasgow and west, said: “This is one of the most urgent and important appeals in our history.
“We have very limited time to get the box in place around the Hill House and start the process of drying the building out.
“We are really grateful to everyone who’s supported our efforts so far. Our members, donors, visitors, volunteers and staff are all playing their part in protecting Scotland’s heritage.”
Struan’s route will take him to Newhailes, Musselburgh, St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve, Berwickshire, Harmony and Priorwood Gardens in Melrose, Grey Mare’s Tale near Moffat, Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace in Ecclefechan, Broughton House in Kirkcudbright, Threave Garden near Castle Douglas, Culzean Castle and Country Park, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and ends at the Hill House in Helensburgh.
Donations in aid of Struan’s cycle can be made here.
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