Architect and Director
Stranraer Museum is a prominent landmark and top visitor attraction on Stranraer’s High Street in the Stranraer Conservation Area. Consisting of two blocks, the North Block was historically a former Tolbooth of 1777. The South Block is a later addition, dating from 1854, built as a court room and corn exchange.
Now serving the local community as a museum of local history, culture and life, the dilapidated A listed building was identified as one of the key historic buildings in the town centre to receive funding by both the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grants Fund and Historic Environment Scotland’s Conservation and Regeneration Scheme (CARS) for conservation and repair works to bring life back to this much-loved community asset.
The project is an example of best practice conservation works where exemplar conservation techniques and construction was expected. A comprehensive programme of works included specialist structural repairs, climate change mitigation, window repairs, leadwork, stonework, roof repairs, rotworks, lime render repairs and decoration. Lead work has been repaired and replaced throughout, with the building benefitting from new gutters and an increased number of downpipes to deal with increased rainfall due to climate change. The historic clock has also been overhauled and a new fire escape stair to revitalise the museum and improve the buildings contribution to the streetscape.
Now revitalised, Stranraer Museum is a protected community resource ready to continue serving the local community and contribute to Stranraer’s economic revival for many years to come.
