Councillors have given the go-ahead to repair a crumbling Ayr mansion.
Rozelle House, which displays some of the council’s multi-million art collection, demands nearly £400,000 worth of work.
Councillors have agreed to find the cash to carry out “essential external fabric repairs” on the A-listed building.
The exact bill for the Common Good owned asset will be £391,000.
Rozelle’s gem is the latest stunning property to end up looking worse for wear in the town. The state of the Station Hotel and Belleisle House Hotel have reached crisis point.
Politicians sitting on the South Ayrshire Council Leadership Panel agreed to fix the exterior of the grand listed Alloway parkland structure at a recent meeting.
A survey revealed stonework and render repairs are necessary.
Money to fix it all will come from the Common Good Fund.
The David Elder Edward Trust also agreed previously to make a £175,000 grant donation to the cause.
Alexander Goudie’s paintings based on Robert Burns’ ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ are displayed in the building as well as precious museum items.
There is also a cafe inside with an external dining area overlooking pretty gardens at the back.
Rozelle House is rated as having an ‘outstanding’ level of architectural interest by Historic Environment Scotland.
It is believed the external fabric of the historic building has not been touched for many years.
The property and surrounding land was once owned by the Hamilton family who traded in sugar and tobacco from the West Indies.
The house was built by 1760 in the style of John Adam.
In 1968 it was gifted to the Royal Burgh of Ayr, becoming the local authority museum and art gallery.
Future tourism plans will include ideas for the development of the property.
