Royal Geographical base set to open in historic Perth venue

Feb 4 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

RSGS base set to open

Perth’s oldest secular building has been given a new lease of life in a near £1 million makeover.

And on Tuesday, the doors of the new Royal Scottish Geographical Society headquarters, incorporating the Fair Maid’s House and adjacent Lord John Murray’s House, will be thrown open for a VIP group preview, including Scottish Government minister Alex Neil, council representatives and charitable trusts which have backed the ambitious venture.

The long-vacant Fair Maid’s House has been sympathetically renovated and extended, linking with equally historic one-time stables next door, which the society took over in 2008.

“It has been a huge undertaking for a small charity like ourselves but the interest the project has generated is very encouraging,” said Mike Robinson, RSGS chief executive.

“The Fair Maid’s House is now in very good condition and it will be getting a new lease of life when we officially open in the summer. It is here for the people of Perth and visitors alike to enjoy.

“It is listed as the oldest secular building surviving in the city.”

The historic society, which had been based in Glasgow for 14 years after more than a century in Edinburgh, now has permanent headquarters which can house and display a selection of prized artefacts and some of their vast and highly valued collection of maps and books.

“This gives us a public window to profile what the RSGS does nowadays and also to reflect on a rich history,” said Mike.

“It is a fantastic fit. We have a glittering history and these are wonderful old buildings which are a major part of the city’s heritage. Now our aim is to ensure both the RSGS and the buildings have a glittering future.

“It is our responsibility to write a new chapter in their history and provide a focal point for the next 125 years. While we can look back, there is also a very real sense of building for the future and for the next generation.”

With vital support from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund and several local trusts, the Fair Maid‘s House has been sympathetically renovated and extended into wasteland at the rear.

Mike admitted that without timely cash backing the project could have gone on hold for another decade or more.

“We will be inviting the people of Perth to come in and reacquaint themselves with the building when we officially open in the summer,” he said.

“We are looking for volunteers to man it as we don’t intend charging admission and various uses will be made of the different rooms. Hopefully visitors will make donations to help defray overheads.

“Scotland is arguably the home of geography. The RSGS has an amazing heritage and links with most of the world’s most famous explorers and adventurers, from the Victorian era to the present day. There are also good strong Perth ties.”

On Tuesday, MSP Alex Neil, housing and communities minister, will see what the Town Centre Regeneration Fund backing has helped create in the North Port. He will be joined by Provost John Hulbert, senior council officers and local dignitaries.