Edinburgh icon set for makeover

Edinburgh’s historic Queen’s Hall has secured a £650,000 grant for building improvements, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced today.

In 2017-18 the Scottish Government will provide £390,000 over two years with Historic Environment Scotland contributing £260,000.

Masonry, windows, doors and the roof will be renovated at the 194 year-old former Georgian Church, which is the performance home of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, one of Scotland’s five National Performing Companies.

During a visit to the Queen’s Hall today, Ms Hyslop said:

“I am delighted to announce the £650,000 grant for building improvements to the Queen’s Hall, a much-loved part of Edinburgh’s performance history. It is a firm favourite with performers and audiences throughout the year including Edinburgh’s International, Fringe and Jazz and Blues festivals.

“We have increased capital funding for Historic Environment Scotland’s work to preserve, promote and protect our historic buildings, and enabled them to maintain their commitment to provide £14.5 million for external projects such as Historic Environment Repair Grants. We have also maintained funding for our five National Performing Companies and are continuing to invest in cultural infrastructure projects.

“As we celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, the funding will ensure the historic building is in a good state of repair and can continue to host the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and other performances over the next few years.”

Nigel Griffiths, Chair of the Queen’s Hall said:

“We are delighted with this Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland vote of confidence in the future of the Queen’s Hall. We look forward to completing these important heritage works, which pave the way to an even brighter future and the celebration in 2019 of the 40th anniversary of the Queen’s Hall as a world class concert hall.”

Gavin Reid, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra said:

“We are immensely grateful to the Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland for this important funding to support the Queen’s Hall. It will be welcomed by everyone in the Orchestra, our audience and by all the staff at the Queen’s Hall.”