The Hill House in Helensburgh is welcoming the addition of more iconic Mackintosh and Macdonald design - in Glasgow.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) took ownership this month of The Mackintosh at the Willow tea rooms in the city's Sauchiehall Street.

Liz Davidson, project director at The Hill House, said that this provides opportunities to both celebrate the design of the iconic property, as well as attract more visitors and do further research.

The history home is drying out well under its protective metal box. Detailed analysis has recently come back on the render that sits on top of the sandstone.

Poorly designed drainage and the render caused problems for decades and there were previous warnings Hill House could dissolve "like an aspirin".

Helensburgh Advertiser: It is hoped that it will attract more visitors and do further researchIt is hoped that it will attract more visitors and do further research (Image: Newsquest Staff)

The tea rooms opened in 1903 for Miss Kate Cranston, and Hill House in 1904.

READ MORE: 'Cream cheese architecture': How Helensburgh's Hill House is planning for the future

Both were a partnership of architecture and design between Mackintosh and Macdonald, as well as the patrons who funded each - Cranston and the Blackie family in Helensburgh.

"The tea room's design was revolutionary in its day," said Liz. "When the tea rooms were launched, it was a spin-off of the temperance movement where a beautiful piece of design landscape brought in design and art.

"There was nothing like Miss Cranston's tea room until she brought it to Scotland. And they were hugely popular.

"She was the first to bring in every aspect of complete design through Mackintosh.

"It's something we want to build on in our focus at Hill House.

"Macintosh had very high-end, demanding, visionary clients who were prepared to work with Mackintosh and Macdonald."

Helensburgh Advertiser: The history home is drying out well under its protective metal boxThe history home is drying out well under its protective metal box (Image: Newsquest Staff)

Hill House recently saw a dedicated community engagement worker start as they aim to broaden the appeal beyond the enthusiastic membership NTS has already.

They also hope to tap into a global network of experts and enthusiasts for 20th-century homes, where the Helensburgh property would rank as one of the world's best.

"I think we will end up with a bridge to connect us to Glasgow," said Liz. "I'm really pleased NTS took the decision. They want to be in the heart of Scotland's largest city.

"We think there's more to learn about the partnership between designer and patron."

Helensburgh Advertiser: They also hope to tap into a global network of experts and enthusiasts for 20th-century homesThey also hope to tap into a global network of experts and enthusiasts for 20th-century homes (Image: Newsquest Staff)

Research and history will be a core part of Hill House going forward along with conserving and protecting the building for future generations from climate change.

Linking with the tea rooms is hoped to further elevate Hill House as a destination for anyone looking to explore Macdonald and Mackintosh.

The Willow Tea Room Rooms Trust passed ownership to the NTS with £1.75million of reserves and acquisition funds to keep the venue open.

Last year, the tea rooms attracted more than 230,000 visitors after a £10m restoration that saw it reopen five years ago.

"This has become an important community hub," added Liz. "We need to look at our core audience but we want to accommodate travel trade too."