Following our successful Round 2 Grant Award, we're delighted to say we now have official Permission to Start which allows us to move on with the project and to confirm contracts for Phase 2. Celia Sinclair, Chair, signed the construction contract with Clark Contracts on Monday October 30th.

As we prepare to open in summer 2018, there are many aspects to the restoration of the building. We're now building up the project office team and are in the process of commissioning local crafts people to restore and make over 420 pieces of furniture, glass ware, wrought iron work, carpets, textiles and more.

We'll be increasing our marketing and PR activities and we're working in partnership with many prestigious organisations, for example with Dumfries House who will provide training and support for our front of house and catering staff when we open for business.

We continue to welcome the support of our funders and other partners including of course the Heritage Lottery Fund and not forgetting all the National Lottery Players whose support enables The Heritage Lottery Fund to support this and other great projects.

The Board of Trustees and Expert Mackintosh Advisory Panel continue to ensure every detail of the restoration is as it should be.