Falling into ruin

Fiona Howard • Published 9 Jul 2010 09:30 Comments 1 Comment

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Morar House is under threat

THERE is concern over future of three A-listed Leiper mansions in Helensburgh.

One is already in a state of disrepair and in danger of irreparable damage, a second is soon to be vacated by its owner and the third is thought to be about to change hands, with no clear indication of its future use.

Members of Helensburgh Community Council say they are now very worried about them all.

At their recent meeting, the council heard that its planning sub-group had requested that the first Morar House, once Drumadoon Nursing Home, be placed in the Scottish Civic Trust's Buildings at Risk Register.

The planning group has also expressed its worries about the house, which is opposite Helensburgh's world famous Hill House, to the Argyll and Bute planning department officers at Blairvadach and contacted Historic Scotland.

The old house was sold when it ceased to be needed as a nursing home and the new owner began work on roof repairs and other work on the house.

However, nothing has been completed and the roof is partially covered by a tarpaulin.

Windows and doors have been left open leaving the building exposed to the elements and to vandalism.

The meeting was told that the council planners have contacted the owners and are proposing a site visit to discuss the future of the building.

These very recent photographs of Morar House show the damage which has accumulated over a number of years. Completed in 1901, it is situated in a Conservation Area, directly across the street from The Hill House, which is frequented by 44,000 visitors each year.

Morar is clearly visible from the street and visitors often ask about it and make negative comments about its condition - such as it is a 'disgrace' to Helensburgh.

An interested member of the public, who provided the photos, said: "Originally, the garden ground was beautifully designed, but now it has been used as a dump for rubble and otherwise has been totally neglected.

"Rumour says that when it deteriorates sufficiently, it will be demolished and part of Helensburgh's heritage of fine buildings designed by good Scottish Architects will be lost."

The community council was also told that it is believed that another Leiper mansion, this time Cairndhu on West Clyde Street, has been sold to a group which wants to create a retirement community.

No details are currently available about the proposal, but fears were expressed over the unique panelled and painted ceilings in the house which was originally the home of John Ure, Lord Provost of Glasgow, and later his son, Alexander Ure, the first Baron Strathclyde.

Lastly, the group has been in touch with the Catholic Archdiocese of Glasgow about what the future holds for the Red Tower, in Helensburgh.

It has been a drugs rehabilitation centre for 20 years but is now to be closed down by the Mungo Foundation which ran it.

This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 08 Jul 10

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AndyMc
7 posts
Sep 9, 18:06
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What does it matter who designed, built, or lived in them?

If the current owners cannot maintain these properties they should either sell / give them to someone who can or demolish them.

No building is some special or important that public money should be directly or indirectly spent on it. Especially as in all likelihood it will become private property again as a home, care facility, or corporate office.

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