Aberdeenshire Council and Historic Scotland have completed negotiations over the transfer of Banff visitor attraction Duff House.

Following positive discussions, operation of the facility will be transferred to Historic Scotland.

The historic venue is operated under a partnership involving Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Scotland, and the National Galleries of Scotland.

Aberdeenshire Council is currently responsible for funding the operation of Duff House, including staffing, administration, utilities and some grounds maintenance costs.

Ongoing discussions have led to proposals for a change in emphasis for all partners, with building owners Historic Scotland taking over the running of the facility, including staffing and opening responsibilities.

The negotiations were completed as the venue’s new season kicked off with the launch of a highly prestigious exhibition of work by German photographer August Sander from ARTIST ROOMS, the new national collection run by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate in London.

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The National Galleries lends a wide range of important works from its collections to Duff House and will continue to lend changing displays and exhibitions in the future.

Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council, Colin Mackenzie, said: "As Duff House announces the start of the new season, we are delighted to confirm the successful outcome of negotiations regarding the future operation of the venue.

"As we have said before, this exercise has been about a rebalancing of the partnership and Aberdeenshire Council will remain a very active partner in terms of support for Duff House."

Chief Executive of Historic Scotland, Ruth Parsons, said: "We are delighted to be taking over the operations of Duff House, a nationally important building and collection.

"We have worked tirelessly over the last few months with Aberdeenshire Council and the National Galleries of Scotland to improve the partnership arrangements and achieve a better balance of responsibilities.

"Our objective has always been to provide a long term sustainable future for this great attraction in the north and we believe the updated partnership can ensure success. We are continuing to work with our partners and the staff at Duff House to ensure a smooth transition and maximise the potential which the site presents as a visitor attraction."

(GK)