Funders voice concern at Peter Pan house's demise

Funding organisations which backed the multi-million pound renovation of a Dumfries mansion dubbed "the birthplace of Peter Pan" have voiced concerns over its closure.

Liquidators have been appointed at the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust (PPMBT) and the building put up for sale.

A wide range of groups contributed to the costs of overhauling the site which opened as a children's literature centre in 2019.

It was forced to close its doors after just five years last month and now faces an uncertain future.

Peter Pan author JM Barrie played in the mansion's gardens as a child and credited them for helping inspire his most famous work.

One of the project's biggest supporters was the National Lottery's Heritage Fund - with a successful application for nearly £1.8m made in 2014/15.

Its director for Scotland, Caroline Clark, confirmed it was talking to other funders in the hope of finding a way forward.

"We are concerned by the situation regarding Moat Brae house and our thoughts are with the staff affected by this sudden closure," she said.

"The Heritage Fund is in contact with relevant parties, including stakeholders and other funders.

"We want to get the best possible outcome for this much-loved visitor attraction and important part of Scotland's literary heritage."

The trust's accounts show that dozens of organisations gave financial support during its fundraising drive ahead of its opening and beyond.

That was also bolstered by private donations.

Despite their contributions, the centre shut after a little over five years - having also spent a large slice of that time closed due to Covid.

Another group to have provided backing to the tune of hundreds of thousands of pounds was Historic Environment Scotland and its predecessor Historic Scotland.

Director of external relations and partnerships Alison Turnbull said: "We are saddened about the recent developments in relation to Moat Brae house.

"As an organisation we have long been a supporter of the house through our grant repair schemes.

"It is very much our hope that a positive outcome can be found."

Another supporter - South of Scotland Enterprise - said it was working to support the staff who had been made redundant.

It said it recognised the importance of Moat Brae to the town of Dumfries and would work with others to look at how it could be best used in future.

Accounts show Dumfries and Galloway Council gave £500,000 in 2016/17 and also made further contributions to the project.

It has already asked its officers for a report looking at its involvement in the scheme and any lessons to be learned.

The centre is currently being offered for sale by Shepherd Chartered Surveyors as the "birthplace of Peter Pan".

They have described the property as a "discernible feature" in the historic town centre of Dumfries.

Associate Fraser Carson said it offered a "unique opportunity to create a new chapter as a national visitor attraction."

However, he added that its layout and accessibility meant it had scope for "alternative uses" which would still allow it to "continue playing its part in supporting the local community".

The PPMBT issued a statement when the closure of the building was announced but has not released any comment since then.