Work started at the end of January on a new project for the North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT) to restore a Category B listed building within the Banff Conservation Area. The buildings of 49 – 53 Bridge Street, Banff had previously been in a derelict state and on the Buildings at Risk register.
As well as bringing this historic building back to into use, the project will also assist in the revival of the craft of Silversmithing, an important part of Banff’s heritage. The building will be converted into three townhouses and fitted out to provide comfortable accommodation for visitors to the newly opened Centre for Excellence in Silversmithing and Jewellery, also known as ‘Vanilla Ink The Smiddy’.
The accommodation is only a two-minute walk from the Centre, and the project is a collaboration between NESPT and Vanilla Ink, the operators of the Centre, who will manage the letting of the accommodation as an additional part of their business.
It is aimed that the work will be completed by summer 2019.
Funding for the project is being provided by North Aberdeenshire LEADER, Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland, National Heritage Lottery Fund and the Pilgrim Trust.
