Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs visited Moat Brae house and gardens in Dumfries on Thursday 30th August to meet Dame Barbara Kelly (Chairman) and Cathy Agnew (Project Director) of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust.
She was shown around the site by Mark Hopton (Lead Architect) of LDN Architects with John Chambers (Director of Operations) and Donald Maclellan (Project Manager) of Balfour Beatty Construction.
Work began on site in April 2017 to transform the house where Peter Pan began into a new national centre for children’s literature and storytelling which is due to open at the end of 2018 marking the Year of Young People.
The Cabinet Secretary will view progress so far at this important heritage site and will hear an update on plans to ensure it becomes an inspirational year-round local, national and international visitor attraction. It will celebrate Scotland’s reputation as a great storytelling nation, as well as providing a significant regional resource for all ages to enjoy.
The new National Centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling will contribute to the economic regeneration of Dumfries by directly creating new jobs and providing many opportunities for people in Dumfries & Galloway. It will also significantly enhance the region’s cultural tourism offer.
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Director said: “We were delighted to be part of the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs visit to Dumfries & Galloway today and to shine the spotlight on some of the greatest assets that the region has to offer.
“The opening of Moat Brae House next year in the 2018 Year of Young People will offer a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the birthplace of Peter Pan and create new and valuable experiences for young Scots, families and visitors.”
“The project to create a National centre for Children’s Literature and Storytelling demonstrates a real commitment to further enhancing our region’s tourism offering and attracting more visitors to Dumfries & Galloway. Scotland’s reputation as a quality destination relies on continued investment to ensure that current provision meets future demand.”
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