25 July 2006
SHETLAND DEVELOPMENT TRUST SUPPORTS INTERNAL REFURBISHMENT OF BELMONT HOUSE
At a recent meeting of Shetland Development Trust, trustees agreed to disburse £36,000 of surpluses earned on local investments to the Belmont House Trust to assist with the refurbishment of Belmont House. The total value to the project will be £60,000 when they re-claim the tax already paid by Shetland Development Trust on the earnings.
Commenting on the award, general manager of Shetland Development Trust, Neil Grant, said: “Trustees agreed to support the project as part of a wider funding package of which Historic Scotland is the majority funder.
“The funds will allow the Belmont House Trust to move to phase two of the restoration project, which involves restoring the interior of the building to provide a high quality self-catering establishment accommodating up to twelve people. The House will also be used as a prestigious conference and events venue.
“During the restoration process, the project is creating activity and employment in Unst and, under the technical scrutiny of Historic Scotland, local craftsmen have had the opportunity to develop their traditional building skills.
“On completion, the project will not only create valuable jobs in Unst, it will also be an excellent addition to the tourism product that can draw on both the holiday and business tourism market.”
Welcoming the funding, chairman of the Belmont House Trust, John Scott, said: “We are delighted that Shetland Development Trust is able to assist us in moving to phase two of the project. After the internal refurbishment, the final phase will involve restoring the garden grounds, which we hope to complete for the 2008 summer season.”