Bannockburn House, in Stirling, is a rare 17th-century Scottish building with deep connections to the Jacobites, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the story of tartan.
Our £77,876 grant will support stabilisation and emergency repairs to the Baroque Blue Room ceiling, a significant heritage feature of the house.
It’s believed the ceiling was created by plasterers Houlbert and Dunsterfield, who did similar work in Holyrood Palace at the end of the 17th century. It survives in its original condition, with no modern structural intervention, making it exceptionally rare.
However, a recent survey revealed the ceiling needs urgent action as the original framework is not strong enough for enduring support. Work on the floorboards in the room above has also impacted its stability. We've stepped in to help prevent any loss and make sure this important heritage will survive for hundreds more years.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has also awarded funding to halt its deterioration.
The Bannockburn House conservation programme will bring together a specialist team of heritage professionals: architects, structural engineers, building archaeologists and a 17th-century Scottish plasterwork expert.
Simon Thurley, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, said: “We are delighted to support the community-led rescue of Bannockburn House. Our investment will help save the beautiful and important Blue Room Ceiling, one of the jewels of the mansion.
“The Memorial Fund exists to save the UK's most outstanding heritage and make it publicly accessible, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. We are delighted to count Bannockburn House’s Blue Ceiling as part of the growing and timeless collection of UK heritage that belongs to all of us forever.”
Discover more of the places, objects and landscapes we’ve saved for the people of the UK.
