A milestone in the future of one of the region’s much-loved historic buildings has been reached.
South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has officially opened the Cloverglen Centre at Shambellie House in New Abbey – marking the completion of the first part of the redevelopment project.
Trustees took on a tough challenge last July of bringing the former Scottish Costume Museum building, which closed nine years ago, back into use.
Now it is getting a new lease of life including its lodge which, for the past year, has been redeveloped by the staff, volunteers and service users of Cloverglen Support Services.
The care service was founded in 2003 by Eric Bridgwood and the new base will help provide training and support to more than 40 vulnerable young adults who have learning difficulties or mental health issues.
Part of their training will include looking after the grounds at Shambellie.
Mr Bridgwood said: “Our young people love the scope of opportunities that we have had since coming to Shambellie.
“Their skills in managing the gardens, planting trees and flowers, and keeping the inside of the house neat and tidy while learning how to cook has been tremendous. We are grateful for the support of the trustees and the local community.”
John Stewart, vice chairman of the trust, welcomed everyone to the launch and said: “We are very lucky to enjoy the company of these young people at Shambellie.
“We are learning a lot from each other and are looking forward to continuing our partnership with our young service users into the future.”
Ms Harper was full of praise for both Cloverglen and Shambellie.
She said: “The young people have already started to learn gardening and there are plans to grow produce and plant trees – it is really exciting and encouraging to see.
“The redevelopment of the building at the entrance to Shambellie is an excellent example of reclaiming a vacant, abandoned, almost derelict building and transforming it to help deliver something very worthwhile.”
The house itself is due to reopen in the spring with a major public events programme.
Shambellie House manager Sue Hughes revealed that the property will make a comeback in April with two months of events including an open day, Quilt Fling Festival, 24 courses and a variety of activities for all ages.
With work on repairs and alterations well under way, the trust hopes to have it finished by the end of the March.
Improvements include new toilets, rewiring, repairing gutters and downpipes, rejuvenating more than 60 windows and creating a state-of-the-art IT suite and dark room.
The trust converted recently to a charitable Community Benefit Society and already has 122 shareholder members.
Membership is open to anyone over the age of 16 who purchases 10 shares at £1
