31/01/2008 04:54:44
Storms in January have caused thousands of pounds' worth of damage to Scotland's historic buildings, a charity says.
According to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), some of the country's best-loved historic buildings and gardens have suffered in "the exceptionally bad weather this month".
Examples given by the charity include Hutcheson’s Hall in central Glasgow, which was badly damaged when the gable wall of a neighbouring building collapsed onto it. At Culzean Castle, signature trees have been lost, while the sole rhododendron magnificum at Arduaine Garden has been destroyed.
"We do everything we can to protect the fabric of our buildings, under a planned repair programme," said NTS properties and visitor services director Michael Hunter, "but many are in very exposed and remote places where weather conditions can be very bad.
"We do insure our buildings and contents against damage wherever we reasonably can, but we have millions of trees and plants which cannot be insured," he added.
As storms continue to lash the UK, the charity has launched an appeal for funds, asking members of the public to donate £35 for repairs.