The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced a £1.78m grant to help continue the transformation of Moat Brae House and gardens.

The money will go towards creating a centre for children's literature and storytelling. The centre would be the first of its kind in Scotland and would be located at the property which helped inspire J M Barrie's famous novel, Peter Pan.

The announcement has been welcomed by actress Joanna Lumley, who is also patron of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust (PPMBT). She said: "This grant will make a sensational difference to Moat Brae and the plans for the future of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust. It means that we can now move swiftly towards our goals of restoring the house and garden in readiness for its role in the literary life of children in Scotland."

-- Advertisement --

Colin McLean, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, added: "Moat Brae and its gardens have an important place in the history of Dumfries. A new breath of life has the potential to transform them into a visitor attraction that could boost the town's tourist economy and inspire children today and tomorrow, as they once inspired JM Barrie. We are delighted to be able to support ambitious and inspirational project."

(JP/MH)