Loreburn, the Dumfries & Galloway Housing Association, and the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust today announced agreement on the way forward for the proposed development of Moat Brae, one of Dumfries’ finest Georgian mansions, the garden of which was the inspiration for JM Barrie’s Peter Pan.
The Trust will now take forward a restoration project of the Moat Brae house, incorporating Loreburn’s vision to mark the birthplace of Peter Pan with a restored garden and visitor centre.
Loreburn Convener Iain Agnew commented, Loreburn’s voluntary management committee is very pleased that we secured this site for the town. We were determined that a long neglected piece of Dumfries & Galloway heritage be brought back into good use, whilst increasing the number of visitors to the area by finally marking the birthplace of Peter Pan. I am certain that without our involvement and significant investment this was never going to happen. After months of close co-operation with the Trust we feel it is now best placed to lead a restoration project that will see all of Loreburn’s objectives realised. We urge everyone to now get fully behind the Trust to ensure that Dumfries & Galloway has an attraction of international significance.
Roger Windsor, chairman of the recently formed Trust, is delighted: “It was Peter Pan who said ‘Dreams do come true, if we only wish hard enough’. The wishing and the hard work by a dedicated team has set us on the road. We need immediate remedial work to stop further deterioration and the Trust will be concentrating its initial efforts in raising funds to this end. Work has already commenced to re-establish “Neverland” on the banks of the Nith, and to restore this beautiful house as a cultural inspiration for the whole community. We also acknowledge Loreburn’s contribution in securing and saving the house for the benefit of the Dumfries Community, and making it available to the Trust to restore.”
International campaigner Joanna Lumley says ‘To have such a strong literary link with the greatest fairy story of all time is thrilling – I’m delighted that the efforts to save this beautiful little house for Dumfries’ sake have been successful. They have my wholehearted support.’
The Trust has ambitious plans to restore the building designed in 1823 by the distinguished Dumfries architect Walter Newall, to its former glory and ensure it becomes a major tourist attraction for Dumfries and plays a significant part in the town’s regeneration. The future uses for the building are likely to have an emphasis on children and literature – with ideas for a holiday flat for respite care for sick children and outreach centres for the Museum of Childhood and the Scottish Storytelling Centre. There may be an associated visitor centre, shop, and a cafe, spilling out into the garden in the summer months. The house might also host recitals, exhibitions, and may be available for other functions. A major public fund-raising appeal will soon be launched and plans to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of JM Barrie’s birth next year are underway.
The Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust is a company limited by guarantee, awaiting approval of charitable status. The Registered Office of the company is c/o Primrose and Gordon, Solicitors, Irish Street. Dumfries.
To become a friend of Moat Brae, or if you wish to support the work of the Trust in any way, please contact friends@moatbrae.org for further details.