Work has now started on the internal alterations and improvements at the Town House Museum, Brechin.

The scheme is the first priority project to go on site as part of the City of Brechin Townscape Heritage Initiative. The cost of the project of approximately £383,000 is being jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, Angus Council and the Brechin Common Good Fund.

The work includes installation of a lift for disabled access, and the conversion and structural repairs of an historic vacant 17th century building to the rear of the museum which faces onto Church Street. The building contains a fine moulded fireplace surround which hints that this was originally a high status building. Some of the windows in the building facing Church Street are possibly 200 years old.

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The removal of modern partitions from the principal room on the first floor of the 18th century Town House looking out onto the High Street will return the hall to its former proportions.

Stonework and window repairs and /or replacements to the rear of the property will also be undertaken as part of the project. The improvements will result in extended exhibition space and improved facilities for community use. Once building works have been completed, the museum will undergo a major refitting programme to provide new museum displays telling the Brechin story over the centuries, an exhibition gallery and the David Waterson collection.

Reports on the progress of the project will be issued during the refurbishment of the museum and it is planned to re-open early in 2010.

(CD/JM)