14/12/2007 04:32:35
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery has secured funding of £10 million for a refurbishment.
The Edinburgh gallery is receiving a grant of £5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as a further £5 million from the Scottish Government. The gallery aims to raise another £7 million through private funding.
The gallery was the first purpose-built portrait gallery in the world. Some 200,000 locals and tourists visit the building, which overlooks Edinburgh’s historic New Town, every year.
Among the most famous historical portraits on display are Mary, Queen of Scots and Humphrey Ocean’s portrait of footballer Daniel Fergusson McGrain.
The gallery's director, James Holloway, told BBC News that he was "absolutely delighted" with the funding. He added that the unused space within the building had "great potential".
If all goes according to plan, the gallery will close for refurbishment in 2009, before reopening in 2011.
Want to squeeze in a visit to the gallery before it closes for refurbishment? Best Western has a selection of hotels in Edinburgh.