The family run, Perth-based firm, established in 1910 was selected as a result of a competitive tender process. Work has started on site and is scheduled to complete in the autumn.

In addition, local volunteers are preparing a guidebook, a leaflet and signage so that visitors can discover more about the intriguing history of  the Wash House and Well. The group would also like to record people’s memories of the buildings and village and make them available on their website. Everyone with a story to tell or a photograph or other item is invited to contact Karen McDonnell as soon as possible. There are plans for guided tours and story telling sessions too, so the group is also seeking more volunteers to train as guides. 

The community has raised more than £104,000 to save the Wash House. The driving force behind the project is Scotlandwell in Bloom who have already carried out many improvements to the village. 

Funding was awarded by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Gannochy Trust, the Take a Pride in Perthshire Association, Rural Tayside LEADER, Perth and Kinross Rural Initiatives Fund, The Scottish Community Foundation  through The Kinross-shire Fund, the Scott Davidson Trust, the Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust and the Pilgrim Trust. 

Dr Karen McDonnell, Chair of Scotlandwell in Bloom, said “We are delighted that Beveridge’s have been appointed. When we started out, this moment seemed a long way off, so it is very rewarding to see work starting at last. This is just the beginning though – once the works are finished, we need to use and care for the buildings so that they don’t fall into disrepair again. I would ask anyone interested in volunteering and helping us to please contact me as soon as possible – there are all sorts of different opportunities.”

Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, said: “This is a great project as it shows how local heritage can be a catalyst for lots of different activities. It will provide opportunities for all the local community to explore and enjoy the history on their doorstep. Scotlandwell is to be congratulated on its commitment to making heritage more accessible and we wish them every success with the project.”

Note to editors

The 19th century Well and Wash House were designed by architect David Bryce, who was also responsible for Fettes College and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The buildings were part of a village enhancement scheme which included a walled garden and a communal bleachfield – now the playing field. The original price of the Wash House was just £117 and it was paid for by local landowner Thomas Bruce of Arnot, who was behind the entire village centre improvement project. Funding means that both buildings can be put into good order and saved for future generations whilst the Wash House will be brought back into use again for the first time since the 1960’s.

Take a Pride in Perthshire is a local community organisation representing more than 35 local volunteer groups (including Scotlandwell  in Bloom) who are dedicated to caring for and improving the environment in Perth and Kinross.

Rural Tayside LEADER Programme 2007-2013 is part of the Scottish  Rural Development Pogramme and focuses on supporting small scale, innovative community driven projects that  tackle local development objectives and benefit the community. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and the European Commission. Match funding comes from the public and private sector and voluntary & community organisations.

This project is being part-financed by the Scottish Government and Europen Community Rural Tayside Leader 2007-2013 Programme.

Further information

Dr Karen McDonnell 01592 840 379 or Elaine Carruthers 01592 840 652 or Zoë Gamble 07799 066 099 email: zoe@prideinperthshire.co.uk.