Hansard

Chic Brodie’s timing in securing the debate could hardly have been better. As well as coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the death of Sir William Arrol, it comes just 24 hours after the Parliament hosted an event to celebrate the importance of Scotland’s built heritage.

I was delighted to sponsor—on behalf of Scottish Land and Estates and the Historic Houses Association Scotland—last night’s gathering, which celebrated the role that our privately owned houses, castles and gardens fulfil in local communities. Those who were present heard of the important part that historic houses play not only in the tourism sector, but in the running of educational and sustainability programmes—87 HHAS members have implemented renewable energy programmes, and a further 92 are planning to embark on such programmes. That is as it should be. After all, our grand historic buildings ought to be at the heart of our communities.

In my constituency lies Glamis castle, which is not only a place of great history and status but a focal point for the people of Angus and beyond. It hosts musical, theatrical and historical events, not to mention the Strathmore highland games, the vehicle extravaganza and the gathering, which after showcasing each of the Angus burghs last year as part of the diamond jubilee celebrations is to be held again this year, albeit without the royal connotations.

Coming from an area that very much appreciates its built heritage, I am concerned by Seafield house’s situation and congratulate my colleague Chic Brodie on highlighting its plight. Like so many great buildings, Seafield house has served its community well as an auxiliary hospital for wounded soldiers, a maternity hospital and a sick kids unit before becoming Ayrshire and Arran Health Board’s headquarters. It is a tragedy that following the fire of 2008 it lies in its current state, not least because we would surely want some monument to Sir William Arrol, even if, having served as a Liberal MP, he might—as Chic Brodie suggested—have been a little misguided politically.

Upon Sir William Arrol’s death in 1913, the provost of Ayr said of him—and I believe that this is the full quotation—

“Scotland has lost one of her most distinguished sons whose memory will be cherished as that of one of the greatest, most modest, most lovable of men.”

Should we not, as the friends of Seafield house are seeking, be cherishing his home? The Tay and Forth bridges stand as testament to Arrol’s impact on Scotland and, in another land, the magnificent London Tower bridge bears testimony to the fact that his contribution to the built world extended beyond the borders of our nation. The B-listed Seafield house is as much part of his life and legacy as those wonderful constructions.

Having acquired the estate in the midst of building the Tay and Forth bridges, Arrol promptly knocked down the house that was already on the site and commissioned the building of Seafield house as we know it. Of course, Sir William did more than commission it. Although the Glasgow architects Clarke and Bell were appointed to design the house, its general features were reputedly designed by the great man himself. It is also reputed to have contained a magnificent library and an extensive art collection as well as providing a first-class setting for musical events. That is all a distant memory, but the shell of the building remains and I offer my best wishes to the friends of Seafield house and their ambitions to restore and make some appropriate use of the building.

We must value and protect our built heritage. Indeed, I was vividly reminded of that last Friday when I returned to my home city of Aberdeen. Heading northwards over Anderson Drive—something I am sad to say I do not do very much these days—I realised that I would have the pleasure of viewing the magnificent granite houses in the Rubislaw den and Queen’s Road area. However, I had forgotten that halfway up the hill stands a quite monstrous flatted development that in my view is completely out of place in those surroundings. There is something quite distressing about a beautiful part of a city or town being spoiled by the whims of modern-day planners and builders, and something even more distressing about the loss of wonderful old buildings that need not have been lost.

In restoring and maintaining such constructions, we are also preserving and protecting the skills base required to carry out that work in years to come. In that regard, I praise Historic Scotland’s continued commitment to providing modern apprenticeships in stonemasonry.

I again congratulate Chic Brodie on bringing this matter to the Parliament’s attention and wish those working to secure a future for Seafield house the very best of fortune.

17:28