The Abbotsford Trust, which looks after the Scottish Borders home of Sir Walter Scott, has received a £25,000 grant towards the restoration of a 19th century Pavilion from Fallago Environment Fund. Designed by Scott and built in 1824-25, the Category A-listed Pavilion is located in the attraction’s Regency gardens and is one of Abbotsford’s most important and historically significant buildings. Located against a heated wall, it was used to grow fruit and vegetables and to raise tender or exotic plants. It was also intended as an outdoor retreat from which to enjoy views of the garden in a sheltered environment.
The Pavilion is currently in poor condition and concerned about further deterioration, The Abbotsford Trust has launched a campaign to restore it and to create a dedicated space for wellbeing within it. This will be used for a range of life-enhancing activities such as sketching, poetry readings and other events. Historically appropriate plants such as oleanders and lily of the valley, and fruits such as peaches, figs and vines will be grown inside. The restoration of the Pavilion and of its Furnace Room and heated Kitchen Garden Wall will cost around £350,000, with £250,000 provided through an exceptional gift from a private donor. Efforts to secure the remaining funds are almost complete and work is expected to begin in early Summer.
